Maryland Air National guard Loses Final A-10 Aircraft, Becomes first Guard unit Without Planes
The Maryland Air National GuardS 104th Fighter Squadron has been left without aircraft after the final A-10 thunderbolt IIs departed from Warfield Air National Guard Base, marking a historic low for the unit and making Maryland the only Air National Guard state without assigned fighter planes. The move, finalized despite significant opposition, effectively grounds one of the nation’s oldest Air National Guard units.
The decision to retire the A-10s stems from a broader Air Force modernization plan, but its impact on Maryland is uniquely severe. The 104th Fighter Squadron, tracing its roots back to 1947, will now focus on retraining as a cyber warfare unit-a transition met with resistance from state lawmakers and concerns about maintaining Maryland’s defense capabilities. The loss also prompted a failed attempt to secure replacement F-16s through a deal linked to a proposed NFL stadium in Washington, D.C., as reported by Military.com on March 31, 2025.
The A-10’s popularity among maryland’s Air Guard personnel and the community fueled a bitter contest against its dissolution. The aircraft has been a mainstay of the 175th Wing for decades, providing close air support to ground troops and serving as a visible symbol of the state’s military presence.
Maryland officials explored options to avert the aircraft loss, including seeking new planes. A complex proposal emerged that would have seen the transfer of F-16s in conjunction with the development of a new NFL stadium at the RFK stadium site in Washington, D.C. Though,the White House ultimately rejected this plan,according to reporting from Military.com.
The 175th Wing will now transition to a cyber warfare mission,a shift reflecting the Air Force’s evolving priorities. While cyber warfare is a critical component of modern defense,the loss of the 104th’s traditional flying mission represents a significant change for the Maryland Air National Guard and raises questions about the state’s future role in national defense.
