A-10 Warthog Deploys New Refueling Probe and EW Pod in Middle East
The U.S. Air Force has operationally deployed A-10C Warthog attack jets in the Middle East with a newly fitted Probe Refueling Adapter and Angry Kitten electronic warfare pods. Developed in just six weeks, the probe allows the A-10 to refuel from hose-and-drogue tankers like KC-130s and KC-46s, overcoming previous boom-only limitations. Over two dozen A-10s from Michigan’s 107th Fighter Squadron are enforcing a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, attacking Iranian-backed militias and small boats, and supporting combat search and rescue missions.
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A-10 Warthog Flying in Middle East with New Refueling Probe and EW Pod
The U.S. Air Force has deployed A-10 Thunderbolt II attack planes to the Middle East with a new probe-and-drogue aerial refueling system and Angry Kitten electronic warfare pods. The modification, called the Probe Refueling Adapter, was developed by the Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center in response to an urgent combatant command requirement. It allows the slow-moving A-10 to refuel from HC-130J Combat King II, MC-130 Commando II, Marine Corps KC-130s, and KC-46 Pegasus tankers, overcoming previous limitations that restricted it to KC-135 boom refueling. Over two dozen A-10s are based in the region, where they have attacked Iranian-backed Iraqi militias, struck Iranian small boats in the Strait of Hormuz, participated in combat search and rescue operations, and are currently helping enforce the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports. The aircraft are from the 107th Fighter Wing at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, and the modifications are still undergoing operational testing.
Air & Space Forces MagazineA-10 Warthog in Middle East Gets New Refueling Probe and EW Pod
The U.S. Air Force has deployed A-10 Thunderbolt II attack planes in the Middle East with a new probe-and-drogue aerial refueling adapter and Angry Kitten electronic warfare pods. The modification, developed by the Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center (AATC) in response to an urgent combatant command requirement, allows the slow-moving A-10 to refuel from a wider range of aircraft, including HC-130J Combat King II, MC-130 Commando II, Marine Corps KC-130s, and KC-46 Pegasus tankers. Previously, the A-10 could only refuel from KC-135 Stratotankers using the flying boom system. Over two dozen A-10s are based in the region, where they have attacked Iranian-backed Iraqi militias, struck Iranian small boats in the Strait of Hormuz, participated in a combat search and rescue operation for a downed F-15E crew (during which one A-10 was shot down), and are currently helping enforce the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports. The flights are part of operational testing for the probe, which is not yet standard equipment.
Air & Space Forces MagazineA-10 Warthog Flying in Middle East with New Refueling Probe and Electronic Warfare Pod
The U.S. Air Force has deployed A-10 Thunderbolt II attack planes in the Middle East with a new probe-and-drogue aerial refueling system and electronic warfare pods. The modification, called the Probe Refueling Adapter, was developed by the Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center in response to an urgent combatant command requirement. It allows the slow-moving A-10 to refuel from HC-130J, MC-130, KC-46, and Marine Corps KC-130 aircraft, overcoming previous limitations with the flying boom system. The aircraft, from the 107th Fighter Wing at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, are currently conducting operational testing in the region. They are involved in enforcing the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports and supporting combat search and rescue missions. The A-10s have also been spotted carrying 'Angry Kitten' electronic warfare pods. Over two dozen A-10s are based in the Middle East, where they have attacked Iranian-backed militias and Iranian small boats, and participated in a rescue operation for a downed F-15E crew.
Air & Space Forces MagazineA-10 Warthog’s New Aerial Refueling Probe Is Now Operational In The Middle East
The U.S. Air Force has confirmed that A-10C Warthog attack jets are now operating in the Middle East with a newly fitted Probe Refueling Adapter. The probe, which went from its first flight in early April to operational deployment in just six weeks, allows the A-10 to refuel from hose-and-drogue tankers such as the HC-130J, MC-130, KC-130, and the KC-46, overcoming previous limitations where it could only refuel from the KC-135. The adaptation addresses an urgent combatant command requirement and is seen as significant for both CENTCOM operations and potential future fights in the Pacific. The A-10s belong to the 107th Fighter Squadron from Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, deployed to the region in early April.
The War ZoneA-10 Warthog's New Aerial Refueling Probe Now Operational in the Middle East
The U.S. Air Force has confirmed that A-10C Warthog attack jets are now operating in the Middle East with a newly fitted Probe Refueling Adapter, achieving operational capability just six weeks after its first flight in early April 2026. The probe allows the A-10 to refuel from HC-130, MC-130, and KC-130 tankers, as well as KC-46s via hose-and-drogue, overcoming previous limitations where only KC-135s could refuel the aircraft due to the KC-46's stiff boom issue and the KC-10's retirement. The modification, which replaces the nose-mounted receptacle, was developed in response to an urgent combatant command requirement and is seen as critical for both ongoing CENTCOM operations and potential future conflicts in the Pacific. The A-10s belong to the 107th Fighter Squadron from Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, deployed to the region in early April.
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