The A-10 has proven itself to be the platform of choice for close air support missions, and many have criticised USAF plans to withdraw the aircraft as a cost saving measure. Source: US Air Force

Daily Caller: Air Force Has No Idea What Will Replace The A-10

Head of Air Combat Command Gen. Hawk Carlisle informed reporters on Friday that, despite a week of deliberation, the Air Force is still unclear as to what next-generation aircraft would replace the A-10’s much-needed close-air support capabilities.

The week-long summit, which brought together leaders across all branches of the military to discuss close-air support, concluded on Friday with broad agreement that the Air Force’s position on the matter is correct: the A-10 needs to be retired in order to cut costs and make way for the expensive F-35, Defense News reports. Currently, the Air Force’s budget exceeds sequestration limits by $10 billion dollars, and one of the justifications given by Air Force leadership for retiring the A-10 stems from the toll it takes on the budget.

More News On the U.S. Air Force Admitting That They Do Not Have A 'Close Air Support' Plan

Close-air support mission to get new scrutiny by Air Force as A-10 jet retires -- Washington Post
US Air Force Scouting For New Planes For Low End Air Support Missions: Retiring A10 Fleet Makes Acquisition Urgent -- IBTimes
These planes could someday replace the A-10 — if the Pentagon spends the cash -- Washington Post
Close Air Support Summit Sparks Nod To Textron’s Scorpion -- Breaking Defense
General: F-35 Will Initially Lag Older Aircraft in Close Air Support -- Defense Tech
F-35 Will Not Reach Full Close-Air-Support Potential Until 2022 -- Military.com
Here's how the Air Force is trying to limit the fallout from its controversial decision to retire the A-10 -- Sandra I. Erwin, National Defense Magazine