The GAU-8 won't penetrate the front armor of a modern tank, but I doubt it could penetrate the front armor of 1980s era tanks, either. However, there isn't a t

The GAU-8 won't penetrate the front armor of a modern tank, but I doubt it could penetrate the front armor of 1980s era tanks, either. However, there isn't a tank in the world that will remain operational after a properly executed A-10 gun attack from the top or sides. Don't get me wrong - I love the A-10, but it's pretty much obsolete at this point. Not because you can't use it to destroy tanks, but because there are much cheaper, safer, and more efficient ways to destroy tanks than low-and-slow strafing. A properly equipped strike aircraft can hit a tank with a laser guided bomb without ever exposing itself to AAA or MANPADS fire. And if we're just going to mow down groups of jihadis with rusty AK-47s we should be using something cheaper like the Super Tucano II.