Ground warfare is imminent, with a second batch of A-10C aircraft arriving in the Middle East—50,000 U.S. troops are already on standby for an attack on Iran!

On April 1st, U.S. Department of Defense officials revealed to The New York Times that the U.S. military will dispatch another 18 aircraft of the same model, doubling the size of this aircraft type in the Middle East. Flight tracking data shows that dozens of A-10Cs belonging to the U.S. Air Force National Guard have taken off from the mainland, transiting through RAF Lakenheath in the UK, and are now en route to the combat zone. Previously, reports from The War Zone website indicated that the U.S. had already deployed 18 A-10Cs to the Middle East by late March.

The U.S. military is assembling a formidable strike force of 36 A-10Cs around Iran’s borders. Meanwhile, ground forces are also being mobilized. According to Reuters, thousands of elite soldiers from the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division have already departed for the Middle East. Combined with previously deployed units, total U.S. troop strength in the region has now exceeded 50,000.

The deployment of A-10Cs carries clear tactical significance. Nicknamed the “Warthog,” this attack aircraft is specifically designed for close air support (CAS). It is not intended for air superiority; its core mission is “tank busting”—providing low-altitude, direct, and intense firepower support for ground troops. Its iconic GAU-8/A 30mm cannon can effectively destroy tanks, armored vehicles, and various ground fortifications.

Recently, A-10C units deployed in the Middle East have conducted unusually long-duration artillery sweep training. Analysts believe this may be a rehearsal for suppressing Iranian fast-boat formations, troop concentrations, or artillery positions.

Dao Ge believes that a ground offensive is almost inevitable, but the strategic target—whether Kharg Island or Isfahan—remains unclear. Given Iran’s current preparations, it's likely that the U.S. will inevitably get bogged down in a quagmire of war. Although the combat capabilities of both sides are vastly different, Iran’s missiles can precisely destroy concentrated U.S. forces.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1861412312337420/

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