>So the A-10 is getting squashed from two sides: The F-35 can penetrate the high-threat environment, and provide CAS in a lethal SAM environment, while the A-29

>So the A-10 is getting squashed from two sides: The F-35 can penetrate the high-threat environment, and provide CAS in a lethal SAM environment, while the A-29 can provide CAS/COIN against militants in a low to non-existent threat environment. There is no middle ground. Oh, but there is. The A-10 was primarily designed as a tankbuster. While the A-29 is fine for the CAS role against irregulars, in a war against a country with lots of armor you'd really want to have the A-10.