The A-10 was developed during the cold war primarily to defend NATO allies against USSR tank invasions. Russia can no longer afford that kind of invasion (as Afghanistan proved and Crimea will prove again), and could not survive a NATO attack in this global economy. Plus, their tanks are 40 years and most are rusted POS's.
They'd never catch NATO by surprise in 2016, considering our advancements in satellite and reconnaissance technologies since the early 80's when A-10's valued. We'd see them coming as soon as they stared massing. A few drones and stealth fighters dropping BIG bombs will be plenty of deterrent.
Other than Russia, China, and the USA, who's left with a significant Tank and armored ground assault capability. The EU kinda prevents Germany from attacking Poland. That's not going to happen again.
The A-10 was an awesome plane. I NDI'd them at RAF Bentwaters in 1980. I loved em...But like the Vought VE-7 Bluebird, the world has moved on.
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Craig T
Volvo V60 - Daily Driver (I love it!)
997 Turbo - FVD Exhaust, GIAC Tune - 542 dyno hp on 93 oct
1972 Chevy K-10 Pick-Up Truck Hugger Orange
