>The A-10C upgrade pretty much makes the whole 'the USAF hates it'
>argument moot. It extends the service life to at least 2028, and
>possibly longer. The F-35 is 'supposed' to replace it, but it's dirt
>cheap to operate the A-10 in comparison, so odds are probably good
>it'll be around for a long time.

The USAF's been grumbling about getting rid of the A-10 for years. The reality is that there simply is no aircraft, either in service or on the drawing board, which can match or surpass it. It's pretty much like the B-52: Every aircraft that will "replace" it has either been canceled or proved too expensive to buy in sufficient quantities.