New Footage Shows A-10 Warthog’s 30mm Cannon in Action Against Militias in Iraq
U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Mark Bucher, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Footage Captures A-10 in Combat
A recently shared video shows a U.S. Air Force A‑10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft firing its 30 millimeter GAU‑8/A Avenger cannon at militia positions in Iraq. The aircraft, commonly called the Warthog, has been flying missions against Iranian‑aligned groups like the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) as part of Operation Epic Fury. These operations have taken place in areas such as Al Anbar province, where videos and social media footage show the jet making low‑altitude runs and directing its cannon fire toward targets on the ground.
The GAU‑8/A cannon is one of the most powerful aircraft‑mounted guns ever fielded. Capable of firing thousands of rounds per minute, it was originally designed to destroy armored vehicles and ground positions, but in recent months it has been used to strike militia infrastructure and defensive positions in Iraq. Critics and analysts have noted that extended cannon runs seen in the videos are longer than typical training passes, where pilots usually fire for only a few seconds at a time.
Context of A-10 Operations in the Region
The A‑10 has been deployed as part of U.S. airpower across the Middle East since tensions with Iran and its regional allies increased earlier this year. Although its role was once debated in modern air combat, the aircraft’s ability to fly at lower speeds and altitudes and to remain over an area for longer periods has made it useful against irregular targets like militia units and unmanned aerial systems. U.S. Central Command released images showing A‑10s carrying mixed weapon loads, including guided missiles and rockets, alongside the GAU‑8 cannon during operations supporting Epic Fury.
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The broader conflict has seen airstrikes targeting PMF positions in several Iraqi governorates, with militia leaders reporting casualties and reporting air attacks in regions such as Anbar, Nineveh, and Babil. These strikes come amid growing tension between the United States, Iran, and allied militias, with attacks on U.S. assets prompting a range of aerial responses. Iraq’s government has expressed concern over the violence, especially when strikes affect military installations that also host Iraqi security forces.
