US Military Deploys A-10 & Apache Helicopters Amid Iran Tensions

U.S. Forces are actively targeting Iranian assets, including fast attack craft in the Strait of Hormuz and militant groups in Iraq, according to statements made by Pentagon Press Secretary Charles Kenneth during a joint press conference with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. The operations involve A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft, nicknamed the “Warthog,” and AH-64 Apache attack helicopters.

Kenneth stated that A-10s are specifically focused on Iranian fast attack craft operating in the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has restricted maritime traffic through. Simultaneously, AH-64 Apaches are conducting strikes against Iran-aligned militant groups within Iraq, and assisting in the interception of Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The A-10, introduced in 1977, is equipped with a 4200-round-per-minute rotary cannon capable of destroying tanks from a distance of 6.5 kilometers, making it particularly effective against Iranian armed vessels, tanks, and warships impeding navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The aircraft can also carry AGM-65 Maverick missiles, air-to-air rockets, and guided and unguided bombs.

The AH-64 Apache, in service since 1984, is armed with a 30mm Boeing 230 chain gun firing at a rate of 625 rounds per minute, and can carry up to 16 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, alongside air-to-air rockets. Its sensor suite allows it to detect over 250 targets simultaneously and operate effectively in challenging conditions like fog and dust, reaching speeds of up to 279 kilometers per hour. The Apache has been utilized in the interception of Iranian Shahed drones.

U.S. Military officials have referenced the use of these weapons in what they are calling “Operation Epic Anger” within Iran. Reports indicate a potential deployment of U.S. Marines to the region to secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz or to safeguard Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpiles held at its nuclear facilities.

The 32nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, a rapid-response force of approximately 2,200 Marines, is en route to the Middle East from Japan following a directive from the Department of Defense. The unit, based aboard the USS Tripoli amphibious assault ship, comprises a combat-ready ground force equipped with armored vehicles and artillery, aviation units including MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, helicopters, and F-35B fighter jets, a logistics battalion providing support and maintenance, and a command element for coordinating operations.

Both the A-10 and Apache could provide support for potential ground and naval operations, operating at low altitudes to deliver direct air support to troops should the U.S. Decide to deploy Marines deeper into Iranian territory. These aircraft could also be used to support potential missions by U.S. Special operations forces tasked with seizing Iran’s highly enriched uranium, providing air cover and neutralizing Iranian ground-based threats during extraction operations.