The U.S. Air Force has made plans to retire the A- 10 Thunderbolt II, with its close air support mission to be initially covered by F-16s and F-15Es until it can transition to the F-35A.
The U.S. Air Force is considering the Scorpion as an ground attack platform if its plans to retire the A- 10 Thunderbolt II proceed. Under the plan, the A- 10's close air support mission would be initially met by F-16s and F-15Es until it can transition to the F-35A.