Air National Guard officials have just received the first upgraded A-10s—now designated A-10C—but already are raving about the enhancements. ANG Lt. Col. Kevin Campbell, A-10C test pilot and program manager, told reporters Monday at AFA’s Air & Space Conference, “It’s now a digitized jet, which gives us the infrastructure to accommodate growth.” The Maryland’s ANG’s 175th Fighter Wing, which is the first unit to own the revamped hogs, has received six A-10Cs and expects two more next month. So far, USAF has trained more than 22 active, Guard, and Reserve pilots in the upgraded Warthog. (Read more about the enhancements in “Long Live the A-10.”)
The Space Force is playing a key role in planning for “Golden Dome,” President Donald Trump’s initiative for comprehensive air and missile defense of the homeland, leaders said this week. But actually building and fielding the ambitious idea will require a major concerted effort across the Pentagon and intelligence community.