Deep cuts in military spending ordered by the Obama Administration would reduce American military forces to their lowest level since before World War II and signal the end of the line for two iconic military aircraft, the high-flying Lockheed U-2 spyplane and tank-busting A-10 Warthog.
Under the proposed military budget, the entire A-10 fleet would be eliminated and replaced by the Lockheed Martin F-35A and other aircraft. The U-2 spyplane, the stalwart of Cold War reconnaissance, would be retired in favor of drones like the unmanned Global Hawk. The Defense Department says the high costs of maintaining these aging aircraft are behind the decision.
