A‑10 Thunderbolts guard USS Nebraska in historic naval manoeuvre

In social media, photos were published showing the USS Nebraska submarine moving with an escort of A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. This is the first time such a situation involving the submarine, part of the American nuclear triad, has been recorded.

The United States' nuclear triad comprises three components: sea-based, land-based, and air-based. The sea-based leg consists of Ohio-class atomic submarines equipped with Trident II D5 missiles. Currently, 14 such units, including the USS Nebraska, serve in the American military.

The USS Nebraska is approximately 170 metres in length and 10 metres in width. Its displacement is nearly 38,000 tonnes. It is designed with four Mk 68 torpedo launchers and 24 launchers for sea-ground ballistic missiles, which can be armed with nuclear warheads.

Usually, the locations where these submarines operate are kept secret. However, there are exceptions. The USS Nebraska was spotted near the Juan de Fuca Strait this time.

The submarine's emergence was not the only point of interest, but also its unexpected escort by A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft, in addition to the anticipated Coast Guard boats. This is the first such observed situation, leading to spectacular photos and widespread speculation about why the American command opted for such a unique combination.

Experts in military affairs point out that the A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft were not originally intended for submarine warfare. Nor are they particularly well-suited to repelling aerial attacks. The curiosity then arises: why use them to escort a most vulnerable submarine when surfaced?

This might be a result of exercises conducted over the past few years, testing the use of attack aircraft to fend off threats from small motorboats and drawing lessons from the war in Ukraine, where kamikaze sea drones have proven effective.

The A-10 Thunderbolt II remains one of the most iconic aircraft of the American air force. Despite its age, the plane is renowned for its durability and formidable armament, earning it the nickname "tank killer." Its standard equipment includes a seven-barrel GAU-8/A Avenger cannon, 30 mm calibre, one of the largest aircraft guns worldwide, at over 6 metres in length. Additionally, the A-10 Thunderbolt II can carry anti-tank missiles and even bombs.

Nevertheless, the A-10 Thunderbolt II is in many respects becoming an outdated model. It was produced between 1975-1984, and the USA has already initiated its gradual phase-out from service.