In a strategic move to bolster regional security and enhance military cooperation, the U.S. Air Force deployed ten A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft—commonly known as "Warthogs"—to the Philippines in April 2024. Part of Exercise Balikatan, this deployment underscores the growing U.S.-Philippines defense alliance amid rising Indo-Pacific tensions, particularly in the South China Sea. Positioned primarily at Basa Air Base, these aircraft bring close air support capabilities, interoperability training, and a clear demonstration of U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.


Deployment Details

Number of Aircraft and Type

The deployment involved a total of 10 A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft, commonly known as “Warthogs.” Operated by the U.S. Air Force, these aircraft are renowned for their durability, precision strike capability, and close air support (CAS) functions. The A-10s in this deployment were assigned to the 25th Fighter Squadron, part of the 51st Fighter Wing, based at Osan Air Base, South Korea.

Timeframe and Duration

The A-10s arrived in the Philippines in early April 2024 as part of a temporary deployment. This movement coincided with the annual Balikatan exercise—an extensive bilateral military training event conducted between the United States and the Philippines. The deployment spanned several weeks, aligning with the schedule of joint training maneuvers and regional presence operations.

Base Locations and Operational Areas

The aircraft were primarily stationed at Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga. This facility served as a key hub for air operations during the deployment. In addition to Basa Air Base, the A-10s conducted missions in designated training zones across Luzon and surrounding maritime areas, supporting joint air-ground integration training with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The use of Basa Air Base represents a strategic enhancement of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which allows U.S. forces access to select Philippine military bases. The location provides a forward-operating site for air assets near the South China Sea, underscoring the U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Operational Objectives

The primary objective of the deployment was to strengthen interoperability between U.S. and Philippine forces, particularly in air-to-ground operations and close air support tactics. The A-10s participated in combined arms exercises, precision strike simulations, and coordination drills with Filipino ground forces.

The deployment also served a deterrence role, signaling the U.S. military's readiness and capability to operate in the Indo-Pacific region in support of allies and partners. The presence of the A-10s reinforced joint defense postures in light of regional security challenges, including developments in the South China Sea.

Logistical and Support Elements

In addition to the aircraft, the deployment included approximately 200 airmen from various support and maintenance units. These personnel were responsible for aircraft servicing, logistics coordination, and mission planning. Mobile maintenance units and command elements were temporarily positioned at Philippine facilities to ensure sustained operational readiness.

Aerial refueling support was provided by KC-135 Stratotankers from the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), ensuring extended mission range and flexibility for the A-10s during training sorties.

Integration with Balikatan Exercises

The deployment of the A-10s was integrated into Exercise Balikatan 2024, one of the largest iterations of the joint U.S.-Philippines military drills. The aircraft played a key role in simulated combat support missions, including convoy defense, forward air control, and rapid response scenarios.

This marked the first time in recent years that A-10s participated in Balikatan, adding a new dimension to the airpower capabilities exercised during the event. Their presence offered Philippine forces valuable exposure to U.S. tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) in close air support operations.

Strategic Messaging and Regional Presence

By deploying A-10s to the Philippines, the U.S. underscored its commitment to Indo-Pacific allies and its resolve to maintain regional stability. The relatively short deployment carried significant symbolic weight, demonstrating the flexibility and reach of U.S. airpower and its ability to project strength quickly in response to emerging threats.

The deployment also served as part of broader U.S. defense posture adjustments in the region, complementing other rotational deployments and freedom of navigation operations throughout the Western Pacific.

Strategic Importance

Enhancing Regional Deterrence

The deployment of ten A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft to the Philippines represents a deliberate move to strengthen deterrence capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. Amid rising tensions in the South China Sea and increasing assertiveness from regional powers like China, the presence of U.S. Air Force assets serves as a clear signal of commitment to regional allies and the protection of international norms, particularly freedom of navigation and overflight.

The A-10s, known for their close air support and ground-attack capabilities, bolster the tactical airpower available in the region. Though not typically associated with naval or air-to-air missions, their presence adds a layer of versatility and rapid response capability in any potential conflict scenario, especially in contested littoral environments.

Reinforcing U.S.-Philippine Alliance

This deployment is a significant milestone in the evolving U.S.-Philippines defense relationship. As part of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), this visit underscores the operationalization of joint defense initiatives and reflects mutual interests in maintaining regional stability. The Philippines' strategic location—close to the South China Sea and within proximity to Taiwan—makes it a critical partner in the United States’ Indo-Pacific strategy.

Through joint operations and rotational deployments, the U.S. is not only enhancing the Philippine military's operational readiness but also promoting interoperability between the two forces. These efforts are crucial in building a credible and cohesive regional defense posture.

Strategic Access and Mobility

The deployment demonstrates the strategic access the U.S. maintains in the Indo-Pacific, particularly through rotational forces and flexible basing arrangements. The use of Philippine air bases for A-10s underscores the operational mobility of U.S. forces and highlights the strategic utility of EDCA locations such as Basa Air Base and Antonio Bautista Air Base.

This ability to rapidly project force into key areas of the Indo-Pacific enhances America’s posture in a region where the balance of power is increasingly contested. It also facilitates quicker response times in the event of natural disasters, humanitarian crises, or military contingencies.

Support for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific

The presence of U.S. airpower in the Philippines aligns with broader strategic objectives articulated in the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) vision. This initiative emphasizes the importance of protecting sovereignty, upholding international law, and ensuring an open maritime commons.

Deployments like that of the A-10s help to operationalize the FOIP strategy by demonstrating U.S. resolve and capacity to operate in contested environments. It sends a clear message to both allies and adversaries that the U.S. is committed to maintaining regional peace and stability through strength and partnership.

Countering Grey-Zone Threats

The Indo-Pacific has become a theater for increasingly sophisticated "grey-zone" operations—activities that fall below the threshold of armed conflict, such as maritime militia incursions, cyber operations, and coercive diplomacy. The deployment of A-10 aircraft adds to the multi-domain toolkit available to counter such tactics.

While the A-10 is not a stealth platform or long-range bomber, its ability to loiter, deliver precision strikes, and operate from austere airfields makes it an asset in scenarios requiring rapid escalation control or support to ground forces during hybrid conflicts.

Strategic Signaling to Regional Actors

Finally, the deployment functions as a form of strategic signaling. To allies, it reassures them of U.S. commitment and capability. To potential adversaries, it serves as a reminder of the risks associated with aggressive actions in the region. The transparent nature of the deployment, including media coverage and public affairs engagement, ensures that this message is received both regionally and globally.

A-10 Thunderbolt II: Aircraft Specifications

The A-10 Thunderbolt II, affectionately known as the "Warthog," is a single-seat, twin-engine, straight-wing jet aircraft developed by Fairchild Republic for the United States Air Force. Designed specifically for close air support (CAS) of ground forces, the aircraft has been in service since the 1970s and remains a critical asset due to its durability, firepower, and precision.

Key specifications include:

  • Top speed: Approximately 420 miles per hour (Mach 0.56)
  • Combat radius: Around 290 miles with loitering capability
  • Armament: Equipped with a GAU-8/A Avenger 30mm seven-barrel Gatling gun, capable of firing 3,900 rounds per minute. It also carries a variety of bombs, missiles (including AGM-65 Maverick), and rockets mounted on 11 hardpoints.
  • Armor: Titanium armor "bathtub" protects the pilot and critical systems, allowing it to survive significant battlefield damage.
  • Engines: Two General Electric TF34-GE-100 turbofan engines mounted high on the fuselage for increased survivability.

Close Air Support Role

The A-10 was purpose-built for close air support missions, making it invaluable in both conventional warfare and counterinsurgency operations. Its ability to fly low and slow and to absorb enemy fire lends it a unique advantage in supporting ground troops.

The aircraft’s primary mission includes:

  • Direct support of friendly ground forces
  • Engagement of armored vehicles and tanks
  • Providing forward air control for other aircraft
  • Combat search and rescue support

Its long loiter time, precision strike capability, and ability to operate from austere airfields make the A-10 ideal for providing sustained support during both planned operations and dynamic combat situations.

Relevance to Regional Security

The deployment of A-10s to the Philippines showcases the aircraft's strategic relevance in the Indo-Pacific region. As regional tensions persist, particularly in areas like the South China Sea, the A-10’s presence serves multiple strategic purposes:

  • Deterrence: Demonstrates U.S. commitment to regional allies and its readiness to counter aggression.
  • Interoperability: Enhances cooperation and training with host-nation forces, improving joint operational capabilities.
  • Rapid Response: Its ability to deploy quickly and operate in a variety of environments makes it ideal for responding to emerging threats in the region.

During joint exercises, the A-10 provides an opportunity for allied ground forces to train with U.S. airpower, simulating realistic combat scenarios and enhancing collective defense capabilities.

Adaptability and Modernization

Despite its age, the A-10 has undergone numerous upgrades to remain relevant in modern combat environments. These include:

  • Precision Engagement upgrades, which integrate modern targeting pods, digital displays, and GPS-guided munitions.
  • Wing replacement programs to extend the aircraft’s service life into the late 2030s.
  • Improved communications and avionics to ensure compatibility with newer platforms and network-centric warfare systems.

The A-10’s rugged design, combined with these updates, ensures its continued effectiveness in future military operations, including those in Southeast Asia.

Operational History and Lessons Learned

The Warthog has proven its value in numerous conflicts, including:

  • Operation Desert Storm
  • Operations in the Balkans
  • Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan
  • Operation Inherent Resolve in ISIS-contested regions

In each of these theaters, the A-10 demonstrated its ability to deliver precise and overwhelming firepower while maintaining a high level of survivability—a key lesson as the U.S. considers its force posture in regions like the Indo-Pacific.

The recent deployment to the Philippines further underscores the aircraft’s relevance in modern military strategy, particularly in joint and allied operations designed to enhance regional security and readiness.

Joint Training Operations

Enhancing Bilateral Readiness

The deployment of 10 U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft, commonly known as "Warthogs," to the Philippines marked a significant milestone in the ongoing military cooperation between the two nations. One of the central features of this historic visit was the execution of joint training operations between the United States Air Force and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). These exercises were designed to enhance interoperability, improve tactical coordination, and strengthen mutual preparedness for a range of military scenarios, including close air support, maritime security, and humanitarian assistance missions.

Focus on Interoperability and Tactical Integration

Joint training events centered on integrating the A-10’s unique close air support capabilities with Philippine ground and air units. The A-10’s ability to operate from austere airfields and provide precise firepower made it an ideal platform for practicing combined arms operations. Philippine troops had the opportunity to coordinate directly with U.S. pilots during simulated mission scenarios, including target identification, forward air control, and battlefield air interdiction.

These exercises not only improved the technical and procedural alignment between the two forces but also allowed both sides to refine communication protocols and command structures. This is particularly important in a region where rapid response to emerging security threats is essential.

Training at Strategic Locations

Training operations were conducted at key military installations across the Philippines, including Basa Air Base in Pampanga and other forward-operating locations throughout Luzon. These sites were chosen for their strategic relevance and infrastructure capable of supporting advanced air operations. The presence of the A-10s at these bases offered Philippine forces firsthand experience with U.S. combat aircraft and provided U.S. personnel with valuable exposure to Southeast Asian terrain and environmental conditions.

Emphasis on Regional Security and Humanitarian Response

While the training focused on combat readiness, a significant portion also addressed non-traditional security threats. Joint drills included humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) scenarios, reflecting the region's vulnerability to natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes. The A-10’s ability to deliver support in rugged environments complements the Philippines’ need for rapid deployment capabilities during emergencies.

Support from Bilateral Defense Agreements

These joint training operations were carried out under the framework of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between the United States and the Philippines. Both agreements provide the legal and strategic basis for U.S. military presence and activities in the country, including the conduct of rotational deployments and joint exercises. The A-10 deployment further operationalized these agreements, reinforcing the commitment of both nations to collaborative defense and regional stability.

Building Trust and Operational Familiarity

Beyond tactical benefits, joint training fosters greater trust and camaraderie between U.S. and Philippine forces. Military personnel from both nations engaged in cultural exchanges, shared operational experiences, and built relationships that are foundational for future missions. This people-to-people connection is a critical enabler of effective coalition operations, especially in the context of multilateral engagements in the Indo-Pacific.

Contribution to Indo-Pacific Strategy

The joint training operations conducted during the A-10 deployment directly align with U.S. strategic objectives in the Indo-Pacific. By enhancing the capabilities of a key regional ally and demonstrating a credible forward presence, these exercises contribute to deterrence against potential aggressors and affirm the U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

In summary, the joint training operations carried out during the A-10 deployment not only enhanced tactical capabilities and interoperability but also served broader strategic goals, reinforcing regional security and strengthening the enduring alliance between the United States and the Philippines.

Impact on Bilateral Relations

The deployment of ten U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft to the Philippines represents a significant development in the defense relationship between the two nations. This historic visit strengthens the Mutual Defense Treaty signed in 1951 and affirms the continued relevance of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which allows for increased rotational presence of U.S. forces in the country. The presence of A-10s—a symbol of American airpower—signifies a deepening trust and operational interoperability between the U.S. and Philippine armed forces.

The deployment also serves as a tangible expression of the U.S. commitment to supporting allies in the Indo-Pacific, particularly amid growing regional tensions in the South China Sea. By engaging in joint training exercises and showcasing advanced close air support capabilities, the U.S. reinforces its role as a stabilizing force in the region and a reliable partner to the Philippines.

Regional Security and Strategic Deterrence

The A-10s' presence enhances airpower projection capabilities and contributes to deterrence against potential regional threats. Given the aircraft’s rugged design, ability to operate in austere environments, and close air support functionality, their deployment sends a strategic message to both allies and adversaries. This move aligns with broader U.S. efforts to improve integrated deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in response to China's assertive actions in contested maritime zones.

From a regional perspective, the deployment supports the objectives of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy, emphasizing freedom of navigation, respect for international law, and the strengthening of alliances and partnerships. The Philippines, located near key maritime chokepoints, serves as a critical partner in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Training Outcomes and Operational Readiness

The integration of A-10 units with Philippine forces during joint exercises has provided valuable training for both parties. These engagements have included forward arming and refueling operations (FARPs), air-to-ground coordination drills, and tactical maneuver simulations. Such activities not only improve aircrew proficiency and ground coordination but also enhance the Filipino military’s capacity to respond to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions, counterterrorism, and maritime security challenges.

Through these exercises, U.S. and Philippine forces have refined their joint tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), laying the groundwork for improved operational compatibility in future contingencies.

Prospects for Future Deployments

Given the success and strategic utility of this A-10 deployment, there is strong potential for continued or expanded U.S. Air Force presence in the Philippines. Future rotations of aircraft, including other platforms such as the F-16 or KC-135, are likely to be considered under the framework of EDCA. These deployments could further support capacity-building in the Philippine Air Force and increase the tempo of joint operations.

Additionally, the deployment opens the door for more complex and larger-scale exercises such as Balikatan and Cope Thunder, where the A-10s can play a frontline role in joint and combined arms scenarios. As the regional security environment evolves, the ability to rapidly and effectively deploy air assets to key locations like the Philippines will remain a cornerstone of U.S. defense posture in the Indo-Pacific.

The temporary deployment of A-10 Warthogs to the Philippines in 2024 marks more than just a joint exercise—it’s a clear signal of strategic alignment, regional readiness, and tactical capability in support of a stable Indo-Pacific. As regional tensions continue to evolve, sustained military cooperation between the United States and the Philippines remains vital. Looking ahead, this deployment may set the stage for deeper integration, more frequent rotations, and a stronger collective deterrent posture throughout Southeast Asia. Stay informed as regional defense partnerships continue to shape the balance of power.