A-10s Arrive in Britain With Combat Markings — One Reportedly Sank Two Iranian Boats

Eleven US A-10C Thunderbolt II attack aircraft have arrived in the UK from the Middle East. The aircraft carry multiple combat markings on their fuselages, including nose art of destroyed Iranian boats.

The War Zone reported on this.

According to the media, the aircraft arrived at Lakenheath Air Base on June 12. Local spotter Andrew McKelvey took the photos. All aircraft belong to the 75th Fighter Squadron and arrived via Aviano Air Base in Italy from Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.

One of the images shows an A-10 with an F-15E silhouette on its tail fin, as well as green US Air Force Pararescue markings and the inscription “So others may live,” the unit’s official motto.

It is possible that this aircraft participated in an operation to rescue two F-15E crew members.

Judging by the markings on the aircraft, the A-10s were used with a range of munitions, including unguided bombs and precision weapons such as GBU-39, GBU-12 and JDAM. Marks indicating the use of AGM-65 Maverick missiles are also visible, though they are now relatively rarely employed.

In addition, the A-10Cs reportedly carried MALD decoy missiles.

Some aircraft display APKWS markings, indicating use against aerial targets, including drones.

One aircraft carries markings depicting two Iranian boats that were sunk. The use of A-10s against Iranian naval forces was previously reported in March.

At the end of April, it was reported that the service life of the A-10 Thunderbolt II will be extended until at least 2030.
The Pentagon had previously planned to retire the aircraft entirely, but the A-10 demonstrated effectiveness during operations in Iraq, contributing to its retention in service.

Initially, retirement was scheduled for 2026. In the fiscal year 2026 budget request, the US Air Force sought authorization to retire all 162 aircraft of this type, but Congress approved the retirement of only 59.