Well-suited to the US Air Force's Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept, the A-10 Thunderbolt continues to provide key capabilities in the Middle East region.

The Pentagon on September 30 announced it was sending three additional squadrons of US Air Force fighters to the Middle East amid rising tensions there: an F-16 Fighting Falcon squadron, an F-15E Strike Eagle squadron and an A-10 Thunderbolt II squadron.

The new squadrons will join existing ones already deployed in the region to double the airpower on hand.

In service for over 40 years, the A-10 Thunderbolt II, also known as the "Warthog" or "Hog," is a versatile subsonic attack aircraft suited for the ACE concept, which shifts emphasis from centralized, large bases to dispersed cluster bases.

It organizes the Air Force's fleet around versatile aircraft that are both easy to repair and maintain and capable of conducting all-weather operations, day or night.

The concept focuses on smaller ground operations augmented by close air support from fighter and attack aircraft, such as the A-10 Thunderbolt II.

This innovative approach fosters a flexible force that can respond rapidly to a diverse array of threats, anywhere in the world, according to the Air Force.

Dispersed bases complicate adversary planning and further the viability of US forces.

The A-10 Thunderbolt II's short take-off and landing (STOL) capabilities in austere environments make its integration into the ACE concept a necessity for the US Air Force.

The A-10 was specifically designed to provide close air support, and its STOL capabilities permit operations near front lines.

Flying tanks

What also sets the A-10 apart from other aircraft is its ability to loiter overhead for extended periods, providing continuous support to troops on the ground.

While performing close air support, the Warthog can linger over a battlefield for almost two hours under a 1,500-meter ceiling.

The aircraft's ruggedness contributes to its ability to operate under ACE.

Affectionately nicknamed the "Flying Tank," the A-10 Thunderbolt II has 540kg of titanium armor, which enables it to absorb damage while returning fire.

The A-10 can survive "direct hits from armor-piercing and high explosive projectiles up to 23mm," according to the Air Force.

Its armament includes general-purpose bombs, Joint Direct Attack Munitions, AGM-65 Mavericks, AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, rockets and illumination flares, as well as the GAU-8 Avenger 30mm rotary autocannon.

While prized for its attack capabilities, the Warthog can fulfill a second, critical role as a Forward Air Controller-Airborne (FAC-A) because of its ruggedness and advanced viability.

FAC-A aircraft are responsible for directing attacks by other close air support aircraft on ground targets -- a vital capability as the ACE concept emphasizes high levels of communication and coordination by close air support aircraft.