Appreciate the comments, typerated.

I would suspect the playout would be for USAF/NATO assets to deploy to ample Ukranian airfields built for air force operations, with developing tensions allowing for a steady supply and logistics positioning.

The ramp to US-Russian combat, I presume, and hope, will be long, and allow for an extended logistical chain, as we did in Berlin some years ago.

The facts today are that Russia can't support any sort of costly confrontation, tactically or economically. All Russia has is the retained throw-weight of its nuclear deterrent, which, reduced to its elements, is a suicide option.

The Russian Ukrainians so eager to throw in with the mother country today, will come to rue their short-sightedness as Ukraine evolves into a European nation, unencumbered by Islamist dominance.

The Case For The Wart Hog

National Review

One-week study re-affirms A-10 retirement decision: USAF - 3/6/2015 - Flight Global


The linked Flightglobal report suggests that there will be no reprieve for the A10. It looks like its CAS role will pass to F16/F15 until F35 is available in sufficient numbers. The report suggests that F35's part in low-end CAS will then decrease as its evolution advances. After that, the USAF may be open to an additional lower cost asset (eg Textron AirLand Scorpion) for use in more permissive environments.

LF

translates as "We don't have a replacement for the A-10, but we're scrapping it anyway because we've been told to. When the F-35 comes on stream, we will order the enemy to only deploy very high value targets so we can justify using it." ;)

Presumably IS will be restricted to top-of-the-range pickups as technicals; you know, with the all leather interior and the satnav. And chrome-plated RPGs.

plus personalised number plates I hope

Report in www.Forums.Flyer.co.uk that there's one at Lakenheath today (with a piccy).

It's been there since last Friday (13th), along with three others... They're there all week and will be using the Holbeach and Donna Nook ranges before returning to Spangdahlem on Friday.

-RP

Some news from the USAF:

Two-star fired for 'treason' rant against A-10 supporters