New A-10 Warthog Footage Emerges After U.S. Confirms B-52 Night Bombings in Operation Epic Fury

New military footage released by U.S. Central Command has offered a closer look at ongoing air operations connected to Operation Epic Fury, now entering its third week. The imagery shows A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft refueling midair while supporting combat missions, alongside confirmation that B-52 Stratofortress bombers have begun conducting night strike operations.

The release provides one of the clearest public signals yet of how the United States is combining tactical aircraft and long-range bombers in a sustained air campaign. Officials describe the operation as focused on degrading missile systems, naval assets, and security infrastructure believed to threaten regional stability. Independent analysts warn that the expanding scale of strikes also increases the risk of wider conflict across the region.

A-10 Warthog Returns to Active Combat Role

The newly released footage shows A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft receiving fuel from aerial tankers, allowing them to remain airborne for extended periods. Known widely as the “Warthog,” the aircraft was originally designed during the Cold War to provide close air support for ground forces facing armored threats. Its ability to fly slowly, absorb damage, and remain over a battlefield for long durations has kept it relevant decades after its introduction.

Images shared by CENTCOM revealed the aircraft carrying AGM-65 Maverick missiles, laser-guided rockets, and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. This combination allows the aircraft to strike vehicles, fortified positions, and low-flying drones while also defending itself if threatened. The A-10’s GAU-8/A Avenger cannon, capable of firing thousands of rounds per minute, remains one of the most recognizable weapons in modern aviation and continues to define the aircraft’s combat role.

Military officials noted that publicizing aerial refueling operations serves a strategic purpose. By showing aircraft sustaining long missions far from base, commanders signal that the campaign is designed for endurance rather than short demonstrations of force. Refueling also allows pilots to respond quickly to emerging targets without returning to airfields, increasing operational flexibility across large distances.

B-52 Bombers Expand Night Strike Campaign

Alongside the A-10 deployment, CENTCOM confirmed that B-52 Stratofortress bombers are now flying night strike missions. These aircraft, first introduced in the 1950s, remain central to U.S. long-range strike capability because of their ability to carry large payloads over intercontinental distances.

Reports indicate that B-52 aircraft departed RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom armed with long-range cruise missiles, enabling strikes from outside heavily defended airspace. Each bomber can carry up to 70,000 pounds of ordnance, giving commanders the ability to target multiple sites during a single mission. Night operations provide additional advantages, including reduced visibility and improved coordination with surveillance aircraft and satellite guidance systems.

Modern upgrades have transformed the aging bomber into a precision platform. With advanced navigation systems and networked targeting data, the aircraft can deliver accurate strikes regardless of weather or time of day. Supported by airborne early warning aircraft, reconnaissance platforms, and refueling tankers, bombers can remain airborne for extended periods while waiting for time-sensitive targets to appear.

The combination of tactical aircraft like the A-10 and strategic bombers such as the B-52 reflects a layered air strategy. Tactical jets maintain constant presence over operational areas, while bombers deliver large-scale strikes from long distances. According to military briefings, this integration allows commanders to apply pressure continuously while adapting to changing battlefield conditions as Operation Epic Fury continues.