TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - The fate of the A-10 Thunderbolt II, a staple at Davis-Monthan for decades, has been a saga in the sky - and in Washington.

But despite heavy pushback, the planned retirement of the beloved “Warthog,” as it’s affectionately known, has been pushed up.

The last official A-10 flight is expected in Fall of 2026.

The Warthog is a survivor.

The planes are designed to carry heavy loads and fly protectively close to ground forces. It’s mission-ready to take out tanks, and make short takeoffs and landings near the front lines, sometimes under the cover of darkness.

“It’s a pilots aircraft,” said Col. Aaron Weedman, 924th Fighter Group Commander. “It really responds to you and if you don’t know the limits, it’ll tell you... and if you know the limits you can push it to

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