Second USAF combat plane crashes near Hormuz after Iranian shootdown
Posted by ThevaramAcolytus@reddit | anime_titties | View on Reddit | 291 comments
Posted by ThevaramAcolytus@reddit | anime_titties | View on Reddit | 291 comments
No_Cloud4804@reddit
How many planes did the US lose already ?
I remember there has been 3 F-15 shot down by a kuwaiti pilot, 1 AWACS that was badly damaged by an iranian missile in Saudi Arabia, then the F-15 that was shot down in Iran.
So that makes it at least the sixth plane that is either crashed or badly damaged. How are the US Air Forces gonna keep up if they continue to loose so many aircrafts ?
Pretty_Biscotti@reddit
Is the AWACS the one that was cut in half and missing the radar dome and fire damage?
No_Cloud4804@reddit
Yeah I was talking about this one.
Pretty_Biscotti@reddit
Ah ok, they also lost refueler aircrafts
NorthernerWuwu@reddit
Oh, an actual shortage of aircraft isn't really in the cards, America has many, many planes after all. It even further eroding the public's support for the war is another matter though and probably should be concerning the cult. If the right ever does turn on Trump's regime, it'll be both sudden and violent.
SchrodingersLunchbox@reddit
The E3 AWACS that was destroyed was one of 16. No more are being built or bought, the last one was delivered in 1992, no replacements are in development, and a recent report put the E3 pool at ~55% readiness at any given moment. There are currently 5 left in-theatre, leaving 3 operational for the rest of America’s entire global operations.
The US has been cannibalising parts for these from the boneyard for some time already.
bubblesdafirst@reddit
No more are being built because it's not worth building. If ur wondering why it's not worth building, just reread the above comments.
They got shot down.
luvsads@reddit
The E-3 is end of life, and due to be fully replaced on missions by 2027. It'll be replaced by the E-2D, E-7, and space-based assets, and was already getting phased out as early as 2024. We don't need to make any more, and a loss of one is very sad but it's not dire like the internet is trying to make it seem.
SchrodingersLunchbox@reddit
Source.
luvsads@reddit
Doesn't make it any more dire. E-7 and space isr have always been expected to be the long-term acquisition goals. The E-7 did almost get shutdown, but it's back (for now).
Ignoring those two entirely, though, there are 70 active E-2Ds in service right now, and NG is producing new ones/modernizing old ones. The Hawkeye fleet alone is more capable than the entire fleet of E-3s.
SchrodingersLunchbox@reddit
How so? Again, E7s and space-based ISR won’t be operational for at least another 5 years, and the reason the E7 is back is chiefly because the E3s are falling apart and the existing ISR fleet - including E2s - are not a capable substitute.
In what way? Their speed, radar range, endurance, battlespace control capacity, and susceptibility in contested airspace are all worse than the E3. The E2D is a stop-gap measure, not a substitute.
iMossa@reddit
Did the war ever have public support?
RickMuffy@reddit
The USAF has over 5k, aircraft, anyone thinking this hurts the military is ignorant, but hopefully it stops anyone supporting the war.
JoemLat@reddit
Wasn't it 2 AWACS?
historicusXIII@reddit
And those are expensive.
shades-of-defiance@reddit
Yes, E-3s are $500 mil a pop
elihu@reddit
Yeah, apparently there were two hit by that missile strike, one damaged and the other destroyed. Presumably the one with the tail missing is the one that was destroyed. If that's the "damaged" one then there's probably nothing but debris left of the other one.
BroMan001@reddit
Is this the one you’re referring to as the one with the tail missing?
elihu@reddit
That looks like the one.
ColeslawConsumer@reddit
I think we’re at like 6-7 unrecoverable airframes not counting drones. Also the AWACS wasn’t damaged it was literally blown in half.
SUPERSAM76@reddit
Yeah I don't know how it would even be possible to repair that. Thing was split in two must be a total write off.
Pepparkakan@reddit
Flex tape?
southernmost@reddit
Gonna need some gorilla glue at least.
boringnamehere@reddit
Just slap some speed tape on it and get a ferry permit to get it back to base for repairs.
mrgoobster@reddit
I don't think they'd even try. Just scrap it for parts for the other AWACS.
Skittleavix@reddit
It needs the tail to fly, right?
aykcak@reddit
The initial report were that it was damaged and would be repaired. Let's not forget that
cookiengineer@reddit
It's kinda funny and kinda depressing to see such an incompetent leadership of a nation that was our (former) ally.
It's like they're destroying their own military equipment on purpose, for no reason whatsoever.
This will leave a power vacuum in the world like never before. I really hope we'll get our shit together with a EU army. Otherwise we'll be fucked sideways.
Successful-Bobcat701@reddit
The US has lost 4 F-15s so far. They have about 200 of them in total.
derFensterputzer@reddit
Wasn't it 2 F15 by a kuwaiti patriot battery?
But yeah:
1 destroyed KC-130 (tanker) that collided with another one mid-air (other one was damaged, but was able to land safely),
1 damaged F35,
1 destroyed E-3 Sentry (AWACS) along with at least 2 KC-130s in Saudi Arabia,
Today's F15 and A-10
So at least 8 destroyed and 2 damaged planes so far
fast_stillness@reddit
There's also 5 KC-135 tanker damaged earlier
Bolter_NL@reddit
Nope there's a video of an f-18 fuckin the up.
mrgoobster@reddit
If you're talking about the videos I've seen, it's a IR missile exploding behind (and missing) an F-18 during a slow turn. The F-18 isn't even aware of it - but the explosion made the people recording the event think it was a hit. It was recorded from several angles.
CiaphasCain8849@reddit
That video was of an actual engagement in Iran. The three and 15s in Kuwait were shot down by one F18C.
CompetitiveAdMoney@reddit
Jesus christ the sheer inability to avoid basic mistakes here. This war is going to go poorly.
Bolter_NL@reddit
No an F-18 shooting down the F-15s above Kuwait within visual range
No_Cloud4804@reddit
For the 3 F-15, they were downed by a koweiti pilot I remember (yeah it was 3 !) :
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/kuwaiti-fa-18-fighter-jet-caused-accidental-downing-three-us-f-15s-wsj-reports-2026-03-04/
So that makes at the very least 9 destroyed and 2 damaged so far !
derFensterputzer@reddit
I just googled a bit, that isn't really that much in comparison.
They started this shitshow 4 weeks ago and lost 11 planes (I'm adding the 2 damaged ones as they were also at least temporarily removed from the fight).
In the 5 weeks of the gulf war air campaign coalition forces lost 52 planes.
Ironlion45@reddit
That was a full scale deployment against an enemy who had some Air superiority capability. Iran is good at making drones, but not planes. The US doesn't really seem willing to do that. Something about how voters don't like war very much.
Ironlion45@reddit
If it was Kuwait then it would be a friendly fire incident. They are on Team Saudi and therefore peripherally allied with the US afaik.
Foggl3@reddit
Wasn't it a -135, didn't think we had lost any -130s
derFensterputzer@reddit
right, my bad, I'll fix it
goldfinger0303@reddit
Not to burst your bubble, and not to underplay the failures that these represent....but the US operates something like 14,000 aircraft. Even if it's just fighters, it's thousands of them. And the ones we're losing are the older airframes.
Losses at this rate could quite literally go on indefinitely, and you wouldn't be able to notice. We are not like Russia, we can make hundreds of planes in a year without breaking a sweat.
emcee_pee_pants@reddit
We can make dozens a year currently. If we went full WWII primary focus is war production we could get that to hundreds in 3-5 years. Maybe.
goldfinger0303@reddit
We built 191 F-35s last year
https://www.f35.com/f35/news-and-features/F35_Breaks_Delivery_Record_Continues_Combat_Success_in_2025.html
One other line (f-15ex) is just starting up while another (f/a-18) is winding down, so yeah those production numbers aren't great.
But that's just the fighter lines, when obviously there are many, many more planes in an Air Force than the fighter jets (and many of our losses/damaged are not fighter jets). Add up the production of all the different lines, and you get hundreds per year.
emcee_pee_pants@reddit
I did look this up after I fired off my initial comment and was surprised by the numbers. Honestly hoped you wouldn’t even catch my reply.
goldfinger0303@reddit
Happens to all of us lol
crusadertank@reddit
You are correct that the US has a large reserve, but the issue is the very quickly growing China on the horizon. With this in mind, the US doesnt have a lot of planes to throw away
MediumReflection@reddit
Good and I hope my tax dollars never going to rebuild it. Maybe the Israelis feeling a small fraction of the pain they inflict will change them - doubtful but maybe.
goldfinger0303@reddit
8 in a month, so let's call it 100 a year.
Last year we produced 191 F-35s. There are at least two other fighter lines in active production as well. Even if everyone of our losses was a combat fighter (which they aren't), we would be fine. And 75% of our fighter losses were to friendly fire.
I agree that the US can't commit everything, because China and Russia. But these numbers are easily weathered. Obviously not ideal, the war is an abomination that never should have happened, but some people are putting the cart in front of the horse here
historicusXIII@reddit
In a war of necessity, sure. But the issue is that your government has to defend losing these expensive pieces of equipment to your voters, for a war of which they themselves don't seem to know the reason for.
goldfinger0303@reddit
Oh I agree. I don't support the war, but I'm also realistic about how big an issue this really is
BlackAfroUchiha@reddit
At the same time these are the top of the line Fighter Jets on the planet and Iran has managed to take them down.
goldfinger0303@reddit
The A-10? Hardly, and it's not a fighter jet either.
The 3 F-15s (I thought it was 2) were brought down by allied aircraft using our technology.
AWACs was hit on the ground I thought.
So we have one F-15 that was shot down, and you can't really call the Strike Eagle top of the line anymore when the F-22 and F-35 exist. It's a generation outdated (but still a workhorse and comparable to what many peers field)
studio_bob@reddit
They hit an F-35 as well.
goldfinger0303@reddit
Didn't bring it down.
studio_bob@reddit
It was forced to make a "hard landing" somewhere in Saudi, so, yeah, they kinda a did. The pilot, who was injured, was just lucky that they were able to keep it in the air for a while.
goldfinger0303@reddit
Planes used to bomb Germany that were damaged but managed to get back to England don't count as shot down. Same logic applies here. The aircraft was damaged, but made it back. It'll go through repairs and then be back in service.
studio_bob@reddit
Seems like splitting hairs to me, but okay sure. It wasn't "shot down" it was merely "hit and damaged such that it will be indefinitely removed from service." Happy?
Jamikest@reddit
F15? Top of the line? The design is from the 70s. Yes the design has been updated, but these aren't the modern generation of fighters.
BlackAfroUchiha@reddit
They hit an F35.
Also the F15 has been upgraded and improved over time that it's still one of the best fighter jets that the US has bar the F22 and F35.
Jamikest@reddit
I edited the above, but will state it here as well. The comment chain you are in is discussing 4 shot down F-15 (and several non-fighters, but you specified fighter). Today's news is about an F-15E. None of the discussion is around the damaged F-35 as opposed to the shot down F-15. Finally, while the F-15E is generations newer than the F-15, it is still by no means the latest generation of even the F-15 line of fighters.
Herr_Tilke@reddit
We've lost basically all of the early warning radar systems we operated in the area. All fixed ground radars, 1x E-3 AWACS, 2x EC-130 (half the operational fleet). Warning time until impact is reduced by about 70% for Israel and partner nations in the Gulf since the war was started. It's a major loss in capabilities.
TheFleasOfGaspode@reddit
I think the point is more that these planes being shot down drags the US into more acute actions. otherwise they look bad for the "strong" cheeto.
goldfinger0303@reddit
OP said how the USAF is gonna keep up so I responded accordingly. I absolutely agree with your point, but don't think that was the point being made.
edjumication@reddit
Wait multiple F-15's have been shot down? Is it petty to be really pissed at this because its my favorite warplane since childhood and AFAIK it has never lost an air to air battle before?
Ironlion45@reddit
I want to know why they're sending the b-squad to do this. It's like we're just "Using up" old Vietnam war hardware or something.
cptjeff@reddit
We're using everything in the inventory. The F-15 is still very much in service and even recently restarted production with some major avionics and EW upgrades. They've hit an F-35 as well, thought that was apparently only severely damaged, not destroyed.
GuitarKev@reddit
You forgot that F-35 that was hit in the first days of the ‘war’ where “the pilot made an emergency landing at his base” but there were a bunch of other planes flying search patterns in that same area it was hit for the next couple days afterwards.
aykcak@reddit
Not to mention the carrier that had to suspend service
UnGauchoCualquiera@reddit
Burnt millions of taxpayers money and only made their lives worse. I thought the Ukraine war was peak idiocy, but seems we haven't hit bottom yet.
elihu@reddit
We've lost a bunch of KC-135s -- one crashed due to a collision with another KC-135 which was damaged, and six others that were hit in a missile strike on an airbase. Those are "damaged" as well, but given that the E3 with its tail missing was also characterized as "damaged" they could be a total loss as well.
(The US Air Force has hundreds of KC-135s so they're not at risk of running out, but it's still a big deal to lose this many aircraft.)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_aviation_shootdowns_and_accidents_during_the_2026_Iran_war#Total_aircraft_losses
Chimp3h@reddit
Oh dear me Donnie. You have properly fucked this one haven’t you.
Also why is the A10 even conducting missions? There is no ground troops to support and since the pilots struggle to tell the difference between allied tanks and soviet era trucks it is a walking PR disaster of an aircraft
Lumpy-Valuable-8050@reddit
I mean we have hegseth allegedly attempting to get a US military general to resign so he can replace him with a "yes man" who will agree to a manned blunder in Iran.
keepthepace@reddit
Daddy Putin is doing meatwaves in Ukraine, I need to do meatwaves in Iran!
SurturOfMuspelheim@reddit
Russia isn't doing whatever the fuck "meatwaves" is. Their tactic has largely been to send small teams of a couple infantry, sometimes only 1, to scout and gather Intel. Large assaults of infantry and nothing else basically have never been done.
keepthepace@reddit
1500 death per day.
Coming to an American war next to you soon!
SurturOfMuspelheim@reddit
Lmao, how much propaganda do you have to swallow to believe that over 2 million Russians have died in this war? Even the Ukrainians claim 1/8th that number LOL
How pathetic
keepthepace@reddit
"Just" one million. Chill country, chill war.
SurturOfMuspelheim@reddit
Did you fail basic math? 1/8th of 2 million is not 1 million.
Further, the number is still wrong. You're just ignoring that you're wrong and continuing to make up false comments. Jesus.
keepthepace@reddit
1.1 to 1.4 mil casualties. People who infer 300k to 400k do so by assuming a death/wounded ratio from previous conflicts. We have indications to believe that since drones started to be used, this ratio rose significantly. To say nothing about the lack of care the wounded receive on the Russian side
SurturOfMuspelheim@reddit
Dead, not casualties. Casualties are not dead, it's dead and wounded. The absolute highest estimate is 500,000 dead, and the lowest is 250,000. It's not "people" it's official statistics listed by Ukraine, Russia, the US, and other organizations Easier to just admit you were wrong instead of doubling down on every comment.
keepthepace@reddit
Dude, re-read my comment. 1.1 mil -> 300k dead implies a ratio. Which is likely wrong.
Successful-Bobcat701@reddit
Meat ripples then.
Arrow156@reddit
Did you forget you're supposed to be pretending you're American?
kaptainkooleio@reddit
He already fired two just today. Reads to me like they’re going all in on some bullshit that even US generals are against.
ChauvinistPenguin@reddit
At least a dozen high-ranking officers have been 'moved on' since Hegseth took the job. I watched a video from a former CIA agent who referred to it as a purge.
Dragoncat_3_4@reddit
How the military has not mutinied yet is beyond me.
TripolarKnight@reddit
For all thier faults, the US Military is actually quite disciplined in comparison to most of the world. If they change their mind, shit will actually hit the fan.
rattleandhum@reddit
read: dumb and obedient
TripolarKnight@reddit
Considering Hegseth has fired around 28 generals in an attempt to have them comply with their "stupid things", it doesn't seem current events support your hypothesis.
rattleandhum@reddit
We're not talking about top brass -- we're talking about grunts in the field
TripolarKnight@reddit
Yiu are talking about grunts, I am talking about top brass since the first comment 😒
rattleandhum@reddit
What top brass in any military is not disciplined? Iran certainly has a disciplined top command.
ponycorn_pet@reddit
That's because they're, for all intents and purposes, children. I'm in Texas and the recruiters push hard on all of the students in the last couple of years of highschool, outright lying about everything they'll get if they sign up. And all of the adults in their red-state lives only feed in to it and encourage them
rattleandhum@reddit
same as it ever was.
Miltrivd@reddit
Disciplined... Brainwashed with no morals because "I'm just following orders", "it's my job" or "doing my service to the country".
TripolarKnight@reddit
Please don't look up how other armies behave.
Significant-Ad-7182@reddit
Or you know. Killing for collage loans.
Kaymish_@reddit
They ship people around fairly frequently and chop and change commanders too, so they never form relationships to the people and units and maintain loyalty to the organization as a whole. Thus the whole edifice has to munity at once instead of a few units going rogue and starting an avalanche.
monkwrenv2@reddit
Also, UD military bases blare Fox propaganda all the time so troops are loyal directly to the GOP and Trump.
HappyBergkamper@reddit
Because a huge amount of them support Trump
Freethecrafts@reddit
That rating keeps going down.
He killed a bunch of people, call it a victory while walking away.
HappyBergkamper@reddit
At this point you either support Trump because your media only shows you what his backers want you to see and reality makes no headway, or you actually want the US to go back the to the 18th century.
Either way this war isn't going to change that for MAGA supporters.
Freethecrafts@reddit
Favorability keeps dropping. Lots of people, some even with bad ideas, don’t want to fight another occupation war for Israel.
HappyBergkamper@reddit
I missed the last time the Us did one for Israel but once agian the MAGAS are all for it. They think they can just bomb Iran into submission just like Fox news tells them they did to Venezuela.
The first thing you have to do when you join that cult is ignore reality
Freethecrafts@reddit
The entire start to this one was Israel catching the upper leadership together in the upper bunkers. The US joined in to make it a full decapitation. Iranian leadership is many tiers lower now, they just can’t be seen to capitulate or they lose whatever claim to power.
The cult wants a hierarchy with them at the top. They don’t want to be deployed indefinitely to the other side of the world. That approval rating has tanked, even among the hardline.
Durendal_1707@reddit
nothing like it has ever happened in American history, it’s an untelevised coup
I heard the sweeping cull of leadership in the first few weeks last year referred to as a decapitation event, but it was all laid out in their “Project”
XimbalaHu3@reddit
I've been mod deleted before for saying the specifics, but I really don't think the mid terms are gonna go swimingly.
ponycorn_pet@reddit
You're not going to get censored or deleted here!
Freethecrafts@reddit
You’re in the ani e sub. Go off king.
ForgiveOX@reddit
I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re intentionally losing units to make a claim like they need to up the defense spending
Arrow156@reddit
I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re intentionally losing units to make a ground invasion of the US a viable option. These decisions are so bad one has to wonder if they are working for the enemy.
ForgiveOX@reddit
Agreed. There’s many events in the last few years that seem highly suspicious
kaptainkooleio@reddit
It’s a good idea to fire all the competent generals, especially as we walk into a ground offensive in fucking Iran.
mcmasterstb@reddit
They will eventually find someone to do it.
infin8raptor@reddit
One should never get involved in a land war in Asia...
BigDictionEnergy@reddit
It's not a land war. Objectives have been met. Just a few more weeks and it'll be done, bro. On god, bro
Magjee@reddit
Wasn't it already done 4 weeks ago and they are negotiating the surrender with secret high level unnamed officials?
Betterthanbeer@reddit
The Balcony Umbrella Corps?
Magjee@reddit
/$
patgeo@reddit
But asia is China not Iran, Iran in Middle East, winning - Trump
FormerLawfulness6@reddit
"Middle East" is not a real geographic term. Iran is physically on the Western side of the Asia continent. Hence, West Asia while China is in East Asia.
patgeo@reddit
You don't say...
Reread who I attributed the fake quote to.
FormerLawfulness6@reddit
Ah, I misinterpreted the symbol. Thanks.
edjumication@reddit
Woosh
NamerNotLiteral@reddit
Yeah, West Asia is a real term used when people don't want to keep leaning on outdated, euro-centric notions of geography.
cookiengineer@reddit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHLlRW2Wb2c
Former counter terrorism lead of the CIA, who resigned. Still believes in the idea of MAGA and i'd consider a "heavy conservative" from my European perspective. Kind of absurd to see him being absolutely rational about one thing but absolutely blind of seeing that "he's been played and thrown to the wolves". He still tries to appeal to Donnie, and doesn't realize that the president doesn't give a damn about people like him, and never has.
Arrow156@reddit
They are dismantling this country piece by piece. It's almost like they are preparing this country to be invaded, ensuring we'll not be able to put up a resistance.
BroMan001@reddit
You’re making them sound based lol
protonpack@reddit
Even when you puke, the idea is you purge the bad stuff. This is the puke purging itself of the body.
DefDefTotheIOF@reddit
no, 'purge' is an evil word like 'regime' only used for enemy countries like China, the correct, government approved term is 'restructuring'
Caymonki@reddit
Exactly what Project 2025 said it would do. Rage.
RETIRE ALL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES
Then replace with yes men.
ThrowRAndy_Travis@reddit
Its like hes intentionally trying to goad something especially giving personnel personal firearms on base:
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/02/us/politics/hegseth-personal-firearms.html
Too bad events will likely be surpressed to the public but curious what US military bases will be looking like if a ground invasion does happen.
moonorplanet@reddit
Call it what it is, a Purge.
DefDefTotheIOF@reddit
If the US is looking for someone to throw US troops into the meat grinder, I'll happily be that man.
Corona-walrus@reddit
Ahhh so the goal is to weed out the military of those unwilling to cosign the war. That's their final frontier of control and taking over da gotv
NearABE@reddit
The A-10 is just a well built aircraft.
Speed is significant in air to air combat. Faster planes are superior interceptors. But that “faster” is relative. Like 50% higher velocity means you win. If the target is moving slower than your plane’s stall speed then it becomes a pain on one’s backside to hit it. Then when you do hit a slow drone carrying a warhead the warhead explodes. Flimsy supersonic jets do not tolerate impact with pieces of drone or shrapnel. The jet’s own airspeed increases the impact energy for a given piece of flying debris.
“Slow speed” also means “very long linger time” if the combat sortie range is similar. The A-10 can wait for Iran to launch drones or boats.
A-10s can launch/land from short and/or poorly maintained airfields.
If we were to introduce a new aircraft into production we might look closely at the P-51 Mustang or the A-1 Sky Raider. Ukraine was reported as frequently using helicopters to shoot down drones. The A-10 happens to be in service already,
Terrh@reddit
I have been trying to explain this to people here in Canada for the last 15 years when it comes to why we shouldn't be buying F-35's. It's really, really hard for a mach 1.6 F-35 to catch a mach 2.2 tu-160 or the supersonic cruise missiles that it can fire.
gnutrino@reddit
I'm sorry, you're upset because Canada is replacing a sub-mach-2 multirole fighter with a stealthy sub-mach-2 multirole fighter because it isn't an air superiority fighter?
Terrh@reddit
No I just don't understand how one of the requirements was "able to intercept this mach 2.2 bomber" and then they bought something that not only couldn't ever catch it but literally doesn't even have enough ferry range to get to some places without refueling on the way. It just seems like a bad fit for this role.
NearABE@reddit
I have some doubts about using the A10 to intercept a TU-160.
Terrh@reddit
Yeah I was going on a tangent.
If an a10 and tu160 are within 100 miles of each other someone fucked up.
NearABE@reddit
To some extent we can just look at “turbofan engine” as a lifting technology. In that model interceptor jets are the first stage of a multiple stage rocket system (though jet engine not “rocket”). They shoot the air to air missile (could be ram jet or rocket) from high altitude and moderate airspeed.
In that context wings are a way to get lift from drag. The straight wing glider design allows for very prolonged time flying. Fighting gravity with a set of Merlin engines (SpaceX Falcon 9) would burn out a fuel tank in few minutes or less whereas gliders can linger for hours.
peacefinder@reddit
I think I saw that the A-10 is being used as a drone interceptor? The role calls for low-and-slow, and the Air Force canceled the Super Tucano order a few years back, so it’s the best fit at present.
gnutrino@reddit
I'm not sure it really does, by most accounts F-16s have proved perfectly capable drone hunters in Ukraine.
What it actually calls for is the cheapest to fly platform capable of doing a shoot down which certainly allows for low-and-slow but the A-10 cost-per-flight-hour isn't actually that much lower than an F-16 and potentially more than something like a Gripen (although trying to compare things like maintenance costs between different air forces is dubious at best).
What it really needs is something genuinely cheap as dirt to fly like the Super Tucano or the infamous Ukrainian Yak-52 with a guy in the back pointing an M4 out the window. I suspect what the A-10 actually has going for it in this role is a low opportunity cost - Congress requires USAF to maintain a bunch anyway and there's bugger all else useful they can do so why not.
Chimp3h@reddit
To be fair. Yeah that’s a good role for the A-10 in theory. They are so susceptible to manpads though. Ideally you need a cheap drone interceptor
frostysauce@reddit
If anyone else is wondering why they are throwing around that word like everyone knows it apparently MANPADS stands for man-portable-air-defense systems. So, like, rocket launchers and stuff.
Chimp3h@reddit
Yeah sorry
patgeo@reddit
Definitely male incontinence pads, don't lie.
frostysauce@reddit
Whatever incapacitates the A-10s is fine with me.
VoraciousTrees@reddit
We've got Wolverines and Skyraiders... why buy Embraer when you could get the storied specialty of Sky-tractor?
NetworkLlama@reddit
They're back to looking at the Super Tucano specifically for anti-drone operations. It won't arrive in time for this war, but it could happen.
lethargy86@reddit
Desire to sip on a Super Tuscan intensifies
peacefinder@reddit
You never know! Maybe this war will drag out long enough to get them specced, ordered, built, delivered, readied, and deployed!
(N.B.: please read that as gallows humor rather than genuine enthusiasm)
derFensterputzer@reddit
Destroying drones
It's not terribly fast, has a long loiter time and can be equipped with sidewinders for air to air engagements....so kinda good for taking out rather slow moving aircraft with limited means to shoot back, like drones.
Chimp3h@reddit
Yeah as I replied to someone else it’s a decent fit for an A-10 but they’re just so susceptible to manpads though
derFensterputzer@reddit
That's true....question is whether that's a big enough issue in the areas they are supposed to operate in (in this case: yes).
Keeping them further back, preferably over uncontested or friendly areas with lower chances of manpads being pointed at them they'd be a more than decent stopgap against drones allowing other systems to be reserved for missiles. We see something similar with the Saudis or UAE (not sure off the top of my head) with attack helicopters being used against the Shaheeds
aykcak@reddit
When has it ever been a good idea to fly A10 in enemy territory? It is never meant to go behind enemy lines
elihu@reddit
When they don't have working air defenses. Same as most modern combat aircraft, as can be seen in the war in Ukraine. Both sides generally keep their aircraft way back from the frontlines and sometimes lob glide bombs at the other side's fortifications. Anything more than that is too risky because both sides have very capable air defenses. The A-10 can carry stand-off weapons, so it could fill that role too.
aykcak@reddit
We know it was shot in Iran so no standoff scenario. Also, the "air defense" in this case is a manpad. That is all that is needed and there is no way to guarantee Iran has 0 of those. Which makes aircraft unusable with this type of offensive in a country like Iran.
Chimp3h@reddit
It’s being used to take out those kamikaze boats apparently which is a good fit for it in theory
Southern-Chain-6485@reddit
It is, but so are more fragile single engine fighters. The A-10 has a better chance of bringing the pilot home if hit.
There is no magic button with which the USA can intercept low flying slow drones, sink small vessels and possibly target ground defenses in preparation for an amphibious invasion without risks. Planes need to be put within range of IR missiles and sambushes. And some of them will get shot down. That's war. If the USA didn't want its fighters shot at, it shouldn't have started one.
Chimp3h@reddit
It’s as suspectable to a missile as a Cessna, it can shrug off small arms fire but nothing else
elihu@reddit
There was an incident in the second Iraq war where an A-10 got hit by air defenses. (There seem to be conflicting accounts of whether it was AAA or a missile strike, but the pilot describes it as a missile: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srtSX9APQyQ )
The plane lost both hydraulic systems and had to be flown using the mechanical backup system. It made it back to base and landed. Kim Campbell was the pilot.
I've heard first-hand from an A-10 pilot who was there during that war that there were quite a few A-10s that returned to base with severe damage.
Here's a compilation of A-10 missile hits, mostly from the 1st Iraq war: https://theaviationgeekclub.com/a-10-pilot-explains-how-the-mighty-warthog-stacks-up-against-manpads/
I'd rather be in an A-10 than a Cessna in a combat situation. They aren't equally vulnerable, even to missiles.
Chimp3h@reddit
I was obviously being facetious with the Cessna comparison but still those pilots hit by a missile should buy a lottery ticket with their luck
Lunar_soldier074@reddit
Didn't they learn from the Russo-Ukraine War that slow moving aircraft have a giant sign on them that says, "Shoot here?"
unpersoned@reddit
That does explain why it fell in the channel and not over Iran proper, like the F-15.
Still, it's got to mean something that they have to use half a million dollar missiles on a twenty thousand dollar flight hour plane in order to take out three thousand dollar drones.
sadrice@reddit
So what you are saying is we should have cheaper weapons and planes, perhaps an even slower plane? Sexy planes are back?
unpersoned@reddit
I don't know if that is quite where we are at right now, but cool propeller planes are so back.
PurpleMclaren@reddit
Not sure why these people are saying it was intercepting drones, it was doing CAS for troops on the ground rescuing the pilot.
Chimp3h@reddit
Is it confirmed America sent in a rescue team?
PreviousCurrentThing@reddit
Yes, one of the F-15E pilots was rescued, and that's what the A-10 was doing.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/military/us-fighter-jet-went-iran-search-rescue-mission-underway-officials-say-rcna266523
Chimp3h@reddit
I’ve seen more on it in the news since my original question cheers
Neurobeak@reddit
A slow low flying plane is good against unmanned boats up until one of those boats has an AA missile mounted on it, as was demonstrated in the UA-RU war.
TheFriendshipMachine@reddit
Wait, was it shot down while doing operations over the water?? That has potentially interesting (albeit unsuprising) implications about the BS the US has been claiming about having air dominance. If it was over land it could have been a MANPAD but over water would imply something a little longer ranged, which the US has claimed they've completely destroyed.
Chimp3h@reddit
I don’t believe in the article it states where it was attacked I suspect it’s close to the shore to give the most time to engage so in range for the shorter range weapons available
Rulweylan@reddit
To be fair, deploying A10s in a country where there are no friendly ground forces may be the only way to prevent them engaging in friendly fire
Chimp3h@reddit
Doesn’t stop them hitting civvies though
erichf3893@reddit
Love your edit. Some people are so desperate for karma they just parrot upvoted stuff it’s kinda embarrassing to see tbh
Chimp3h@reddit
Yeah I can’t be arsed responding to each one with their buzz lightyear moment
moonorplanet@reddit
This week 12 to 18 A10s flew from the US mainland to USAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, England. These are most likely on their way to the Middle East for the build up before launching a ground invasion.
Phospherus2@reddit
What?
Chimp3h@reddit
Pretty much what I said.
In Iraq an A-10 blew up a British tank with orange ID panels on the roof thinking it was a soviet era truck.
Slubbe@reddit
Yeah 20yrs ago they did friendly fire
And cos of that got updated a lot
But there’s no friendly tanks in Iran, and the A10 is mostly a missile/bomb platform for the last 20 years so not crazy it’s being used
You seem like you watched a lazerpig video and think you’re smarter than the US DOD and their mission planning
protonpack@reddit
You mean the Department of War mission planning? My confidence has been shaken this past year, to say the least.
Chimp3h@reddit
They asked what I was talking about I explained the situation that unfolded in Iraq.
-Ikosan-@reddit
To be fair there was more than just that, Canada was hit too. Same aircraft funnily enough
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarnak_Farm_incident
n0oo7@reddit
a10 can fly slow enough and low enough and loiter long enough to shoot those damn speedboats. And it's cheap enough per hour and per bullet to make sense.
alienangel2@reddit
Does that not mean they are also flying low enough and slow enough and loitering long enough for those speedboats to shoot back at them?
n0oo7@reddit
But half to less than half of a f35 cost per flight hour. And thoose bullets will always cost less than expensive missiles. Were talking maybe millions for a missile to maybe under $200 a bullet.
Chimp3h@reddit
They’re not hitting a fast moving target with the cannon unless it’s luck, they’re going to be doing what they’ve done for years and use missiles
smokeyleo13@reddit
Do we know this for certain?
MoetMaarWeer@reddit
There some pilots that got promoted to boots on the ground yeah.
Chimp3h@reddit
They were demoted to losers
niceguys_finishfast@reddit
Saw this video a couple days ago. They assert in the video that it is the most cost effective counter measure to the fast attack craft that the Iranians employ. Basically speed boats mounted with a nasr-1 missile.
https://youtu.be/dEAS7wYPFoM?si=enyaV64JuDdYsLrs
Chimp3h@reddit
Yeah to be fair I can see how it’s useful at these type of missions
RonMexico1277@reddit
My understanding is they're being used to shoot the smaller Iranian ships in the straight. Possibly drones as well.
aykcak@reddit
Strait
Chimp3h@reddit
Bendy
Advanced-Net-8119@reddit
The friendly fire is not a concern because there are no freindly units on the ground (for now) It is still a lethal weapon good for vulnerable targets, much cheaper than using something like an f15.
Chimp3h@reddit
Vulnerable targets like schools?
AV15@reddit
Excuse me sir that is ancient history, our fantastic armed services have moved on to civilian bridges under construction and cancer medication production facilities. Unreal the UK doesn't want part of all this winning
Chimp3h@reddit
As a Brit I can say we are adverse to winning so hard, the positivity such winning might bring would cause us an Aneurism
Gaff_Daddy@reddit
Congrats, no one will ever top this non sequitur!
27Rench27@reddit
Pretty sure older APCs and most radar systems don’t agree very well with 30mm rounds
Chimp3h@reddit
Apparently they’re doing anti drone missions which fits well for the A-10 although that 30mm has more chance of missing than hitting a target so I suspect it’ll be mostly missile based attacks
aykcak@reddit
Why target drones in Iran? Isn't it a very risky move where they have anti air also?
27Rench27@reddit
Ooooh yeah okay I could see that too. Free live-fire guns training or just the cheaper missiles
margotsaidso@reddit
Boomers love the A10 and refuse to let it go. It's been a thing for as long as I've followed politics.
Chimp3h@reddit
Big gun go brrrrrr
wnc_mikejayray@reddit
I believe it was conducting CSAR for the F15 pilot(s).
Rushing_Russian@reddit
you dont understand. Hurrr durr BRRRRRRRRRRRTTTTT MERICUA HUAHHH and such
manimal28@reddit
The A-10 has a bunch of fan boys of. Certain type and wouldn’t surprise me if that that same type is the type plnningnthis iron debacle.
GuitarKev@reddit
Because it’s low, slow and VERY manoeuvrable. They used to use the Skyraider for search and rescue during Vietnam, which was very similar tactically to the A-10 Thunderbolt, but was a WW2 designed propeller craft.
TripolarKnight@reddit
A10 were supposedly brought to the theater to support the ground invasion, but after Iran attacked the bases were soldiers were being gathered and blew up the landing boats,I suppose someone had the "brilliant" idea of using them for sorties.
aykcak@reddit
Is Trump making the combat operations decision because this looks like a dumb move even by American military standards
notislant@reddit
Tiktok hegs at the reins I guess
debasing_the_coinage@reddit
We don't have enough long-range missiles and drones. We have shitloads of aircraft ammo.
Laughing_Man_Returns@reddit
wouldn't be surprised if the Reformers got a few minutes with Donnie and boom A-10 is back on the menu. and in the intended configuration. no missiles, no electronics and most importantly NO RADAR. dog fight only!
anyway, can the US military stop embarrassing itself for 5 minutes?
Chipay@reddit
The A10 was a meme moral support plane 15 years ago, hopelessly outdated but the main gun sounds cool.
Why the hell is the USAF even using CAS planes when they've got missiles and bombers?
rexspook@reddit
You answered your own question. It’s a meme plane that’s “cool” and we have morons in charge just doing the thing is coolest
Lower_Cockroach2432@reddit
Hey, don't slander the A-10. It's the best blue-on-blue machine ever invented.
elihu@reddit
They're a reasonable option for anti-drone patrols. I'm not sure if this is still true, but they used to be among the cheapest combat aircraft per hour of flight time. Interceptor missiles are expensive and in low supply.
Alpha_Majoris@reddit
Low supply...
I've heard that the USA essentially has used up 30% of its supply in several weeks. How is that going to end?
elihu@reddit
Poorly for any allies that are hoping we have some left over for them. I'm thinking of Ukraine and Taiwan specifically. Things could go bad for US forces too if things get too dire. We've already seen Iranian missile strikes destroying US aircraft on the ground.
jawknee530i@reddit
They're the coolest plane there is so they can be meme moral support planes til the end of time as far as I'm concerned.
BroMan001@reddit
Until you’re in the receiving end
OuchieMuhBussy@reddit
Their slow speed and tight turning is actually useful for babysitting search and rescue helicopters, which is what I presume they were doing.
BioSemantics@reddit
One reason they are using the A10s is because we have (will have more) people on the ground and they will at least, theoretically, be able to differentiate friend from foe, unlike a Tomahawk missile. They can support ground based forces more easily than many other types of planes.
VoraciousTrees@reddit
Because using 4 each $4 million interceptors to shoot down 1 each $40 thousand drone is an expensive proposition when the Persians are lobbing 300 of them a day.
There are even better planes in inventory to do this, but they are so forgotten about that we just send anti-tank CAS instead of something like the Wolverine
cptjeff@reddit
Saying the AT-6B is "in the inventory" is a bit of a stretch. There are two. We should have been procuring lightweight, cheap aircraft like that for specialized roles, but we haven't.
studio_bob@reddit
This one was supposedly supporting search and rescue operations for the downed F-15 pilots.
derFensterputzer@reddit
They can be equipped with sidewinders for air to air engagements and use a fairly low amount of fuel and can stay up for quite a while. So kinda good against drones
peacefinder@reddit
The same (unconfirmed) source I saw claimed they were using APKWS against drones. No idea if that’s true though.
derFensterputzer@reddit
With F15s and stealth limited F35s (due to the use of munitions on external hardpoints) already being hit or destroyed, using them over Iran would seem to me a bit desperate.
Like, sure...it'll work against targets with limited means of shooting back...but as soon as someone is able to point something more substantial at it...seems a bit like a gamble with the pilots life at risk.
Maybe I'm overlooking something major, but if you want to maximize the damage inflicted while still keeping the pilots somewhat safe why not bomb from further up with a B-1 one B-52, and if you need to get in closer a F-15/16 that are able to get in and out faster...or a B-2 or F-35 if you need stealth?
peacefinder@reddit
I’d assume that in this case they’d be kept well offshore of Iran and out of practical SAM range? Basically patrolling the territorial waters of the western Persian Gulf states to intercept drones before they get over land.
Again though, total speculation here.
Chipay@reddit
It's also slow, hard to turn and limited to lower altitudes. These things will be fazed out by 2028/9, it seems more likely to me that this was a cost-saving measure with the misunderstanding that the pilot isn't the most expensive part of the plane.
Bolter_NL@reddit
Using them in Iraq makes sense against some drugged up teenagers. . I guess. Actually sending them to Iran is just dumb
thebusterbluth@reddit
They are apparently incredibly effective against boats.
Robdul@reddit
Kid rock wanted something to post on IG
Spyrothedragon9972@reddit
What a colossal fuckup this whole Iran intervention has been. This is really making the American military look utterly incompetent. I'm sure they're being instructed to do dumbass shit because I'm seeing them make beginner's mistakes over and over again. Like day one type shit. I'm sure it doesn't help that Hegseth firing Chief's of Staff and Generals (presumably because they disagreed with him, despite all of them being infinitely more qualified for his position) has led to this current outcome.
Slubbe@reddit
How?
All major Iranian leadership killed, thousands of military targets destroyed, iran navy destroyed, Iranian airforce destroyed
For 3 friendly fire, an e3 on base, f15 today, injuries on bases returned to US
Iran is talking big while literally everything they need is being bombed for very few losses
Spyrothedragon9972@reddit
You're grossly downplaying the cost.
1 Boeing E-3 destroyed, 1 damaged
2 Boeing KC-135's destroyed, 6 damaged
1 A-10 Thundebolt destroyed earlier today
17 Predator drones destroyed
1 damaged F35
4 destroyed F15's
3 damaged Blackhawks
15 Americans KIA
1 American missing
520+ American wounded
17 U.S. instillations across the Middle East bombed
Over 1000 killed in Lebanon
Caused a global energy crisis
The economic cost of this is massive.
Successful-Bobcat701@reddit
That's far less than they lost in previous gulf wars.
imunfair@reddit
We can compare totals once this has been going on for a decade, barely crossed the one month mark on this one.
Successful-Bobcat701@reddit
So we can compare 1 month losses. After the first 1 month, Iran losses are far lower than Iraq war losses.
imunfair@reddit
A war where we don't even have boots on the ground yet has less losses so far? Totally unexpected outcome.
Successful-Bobcat701@reddit
Losses of planes.
marshsmellow@reddit
This is asymmetric war.
Practical-Bank-2406@reddit
Some people expect a victory without any casualties... it's almost impossible with conflicts at this scale.
Also, they forget the Iraq war in 1991, Desert Storm. In 5 weeks, USA lost 52 planes, 23 helis.
Slubbe@reddit
I suggest it might be bots
But if any other country attacked another, killed all leaders, 1000s of military targets and suffered what:
X2 tankers on the ground, x1 f35 damaged, x1 f15 shot down, x3 by friendly fire
During a full month of non stop strikes. If it was not trump this is an overwhelming success considering iran is one of the most militarised ABs defended countries in the world
protonpack@reddit
Why are you not counting any of the economic damage done to the entire world, due to completely failing to plan for the Strait of Hormuz being blockaded? How many jets would that money have bought?
You're so obviously reaching for a specific conclusion. There's no spinning this to be positive. He fucked everybody over.
raptorlightning@reddit
Well with MIRV ICBMs, you kinda expect a genocide to be able to be conducted without any loss of life. This is incompetent evil, which is somehow worse.
Spyrothedragon9972@reddit
I expect to not get involved in conflicts across the ocean.
freeblowjobiffound@reddit
The recent purges will not help.
glha@reddit
Paul Van Riper rages quietly
Successful-Bobcat701@reddit
The US military looks highly competent. It's the political leadership that looks incompetent.
cambeiu@reddit
If you are part of a war crime operation, you get no sympathy from me. If the pilots are captured, I hope they face trial at an Iranian court for war crimes.
Any and all US military involved in this operation in Iran should be resigning. Just following orders is not a legal defense, as established by the Nuremberg Trials.
cheesefootsandwich@reddit
You can't just resign from the military lol. This is a very dumb take. It's not individual soldiers' faults
cambeiu@reddit
Again, the Nuremberg rials established the precedent that it is, if you follow illegal orders. "I am just a solder following orders" is not a defense. That is the legal precedent. Resign. refuse to follow orders and go to jail. If you don't, you are a war criminal. That is the precedent established by the Nuremberg trials.
aaronespro@reddit
It gets complicated, but the problem is that if you're in an illegal war and the legal framework says everything you do as a combatant in an illegal war is a warcrime, then personnel will just go nuts because they're war criminals anyway.
Embarrassed_Jerk@reddit
US law says that soldiers have a duty to disobey illegal orders.
Doesn't matter what you are ordered. Illegal means illegal and you should have refused to follow orders.
There are quite a few who have been fired or thrown in jail for not following orders in the last month and a half. Those are the ones who are NOT the war criminals
Level_Hour6480@reddit
Also US law says that soldiers have a duty to disobey illegal orders. Arguably this war is illegal since it was done without congressional approval.
cheesefootsandwich@reddit
Are you honestly comparing this to the Holocaust? A little bit different situation my dude
cambeiu@reddit
A war crime is a war crime. Also, the Nuremberg trials were not only about the Holocaust.
Slubbe@reddit
Is firing inaccurate clusterbombs at major cities a warcrime?
Same for ICBMs
And drones hitting civilians
Are they warcrimes too?
cambeiu@reddit
Yes, they are. So plenty of IDF members are on the hook too.
Slubbe@reddit
Fair enough, sure you’ll agree all Iranian military personal should get their time in the hague too - fighting for a regime targeting civilians
Hope any Iranians involved in striking Israeli towns resign too, for civilians all across the gulf too
Conscription for 12yo up, Geneva say no but hey iran says yes
protonpack@reddit
Are you Bill Maher?
Did we find Bill Maher's Reddit account?
What is this baby-brained BS? If you criticize our war criminals, that must mean you don't want any consequences for their war criminals!
This is just you admitting that you think the only way to win is war crimes. Grow some principles.
edjumication@reddit
This is classic whataboutism. It's not one or the other. They should all be put on trial. Also you can still have sympathy for Iranians as the general public has no control over the regime.
whiskydyc@reddit
"They do bad things, so we can do bad things too", is a galaxy-brained take.
Slubbe@reddit
It’s not my take, it’s theirs
A war crime is a war crime, unless it’s Iranian (who do them non stop anyway)
You’re Irish per your flair no reason to be this uneducated, we still get internet, unlike Iran who turned it up as soon as ppl criticised them
edjumication@reddit
I suggest you re-read the comments you are replying to. I found no instance of anyone excusing the Iranian military.
eatingmytoe@reddit
Buddy this is reddit, your takes don't translate to real life
cheesefootsandwich@reddit
Mhmk
Rupperrt@reddit
It’s not about the holocaust, it’s just about following orders doesn’t free you from responsibility.
TheNorthernBorders@reddit
The Holocaust is merely one of thousands of war crimes to which the Nuremberg Defence has been applied, and rejected by courts over the decades.
Read up on William Calley, for example.
concon910@reddit
Nuremberg established that if it is too expensive and logistically hard to justify punishing you we will straight up let you go lol.
Wwhhaattiiff@reddit
So they're just doing what they're told?
Where have I heard this?
cheesefootsandwich@reddit
Not agreeing with the war does not make every action a war crime.
MrFootless@reddit
Officers can submit their resignation as long as they've completed their initial contract. I don't know if that term varies by MOS.
EcstaticBerry1220@reddit
Imagine simping this hard for a regime that murdered 20000 of its own people. Embarrassing.
hussainhssn@reddit
Starting to seem like that whole strategy of getting in the box for Israel wasn't such a good idea. Make no mistake, nothing makes a Zionist more horny than seeing caskets with American flags draped on them. Just means that your average American is doing their dirty work for them, business as usual. Whether raping American children or buying American politicians these folks sure know how to be good allies.
BroMan001@reddit
Ukraine is supporting them too sadly
AAA_Battery_PoE@reddit
To be fair ukraine needs to do it. Iran is supported by russia/china and ukraine is still hoping to get more support from the orange pedo.
cmrd_msr@reddit
As if they have a choice...
Mikeynphoto2009@reddit
The aircraft loss debate is interesting but the bigger picture is what makes this day structurally different from the previous 34.
Three limits are becoming visible simultaneously: the target ceiling (IDF acknowledges 13,000 of 16,000 targets struck, 81%), GCC interceptor stocks under pressure from consumption rates that exceed production across contributing states, and diplomatic deadlock (Iran rejected the 48-hour ceasefire, Pakistan mediation stalled, Qatar can't mediate because it's under attack, UNSC resolution stripped of Chapter VII so even if it passes Saturday it has no enforcement mechanism).
The campaign's trajectory is now determined by which of these three limits binds first.
And all of this landed on Good Friday. US and European markets are closed. The F-15E shootdown, Habshan gas going offline, Kuwait power and desalination struck, two aircraft lost in one day. None of it is in any settlement figure. The UNSC vote, OPEC+ ministerial, and Trump's 6 April ultimatum all fall inside the same 72-hour closure window.
If the missing WSO is captured over the weekend, Monday's market reopen becomes severe. If recovered, contained. That binary is sitting unresolved over a holiday weekend with zero price discovery.
The A-10 question people are asking is valid but secondary. It was likely running anti-drone patrols or supporting the CSAR. The real question is whether the campaign can sustain this loss rate (0.14 manned aircraft per day, between OIF and Allied Force historically) while simultaneously defending four GCC states from strikes that are now hitting civilian water and power infrastructure.
Full analysis: https://brief.gizmet.dev/issue-025/
imunfair@reddit
Double that with the ones Iran took out on the ground. Still sustainable numbers but not single digits.
edcculus@reddit
I truly feel for the individuals being put in these situation. But broadly overall, the US did start a war, and can’t be surprised when shit like this happens
RevWaldo@reddit
Dear President Trump: You win. We are dismantling all our nuclear enrichment and nuclear weapon development programs, effective immediately. After observing the effectiveness of US and Israeli offensive military capabilities firsthand, we have decided that the nukes aren't needed and would just be a waste of resources we could be using more effectively. And our citizens now hate America way more than they dislike us (hitting that bridge a second time after the rescue workers arrived was (chef's kiss!), so we got that going for us, which is nice. All The Best, The Islamic Republic of Iran