A POST circulating on social media claims that the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), an agency under the United States Department of Defence, has announced the sale of a new fleet of A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft to the Nigerian Air Force.
The post suggests that the delivery of these aircraft is scheduled for 2030.
A verified X user @Pressman2040, made the post on May 13, 2026, with the caption: “BREAKING NEWS: The Nigerian Air Force is set to receive a new fleet of A-10 Thunderbolt II Aircraft by 2030 as announced by the United States Department of Defence’s Defence Security Cooperation Agency.”
As of May 13, the post has generated over 14,000 views, 500 likes and over 100 reposts.
The A-10 Thunderbolt II, commonly known as the Warthog, is a United States Air Force ground attack aircraft designed primarily for close air support missions. First introduced during the Cold War in the 1970s, the aircraft is known for its heavy armour, long loiter time, and its powerful GAU 8/A Avenger rotary cannon built to destroy tanks and other ground targets. Despite repeated retirement discussions within the U.S. military, the aircraft has remained operational due to its effectiveness in combat operations.
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CLAIM
The United States’ Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced the sale of a new fleet of A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog) aircraft to the Nigerian Air Force, with delivery set for 2030.
FINDINGS
Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is FALSE.
Checks by The FactCheckHub reveal that the post is a total fabrication resulting from a misinterpretation of actual recent news involving the United States Air Force.
On April 20, 2026, the U.S. Secretary of the Air Force, Troy E. Meink, announced that the U.S. would extend the service life of its own A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog) fleet through 2030. This decision reversed previous plans to retire the aircraft by 2029.
The decision to retain the aircraft was linked to its performance during Operation Epic Fury, a U.S. military campaign in the Middle East in early 2026.
However, there is no evidence that the aircraft is being sold to Nigeria.
A review of the DSCA database, which lists every major arm sale, shows no record of an A-10 sale to Nigeria for 2026.
However, the U.S. approved a $346 million sale of other munitions, including precision bombs to Nigeria on August 13, 2025.
Some of the weapons are 1,002 MK-82 general-purpose 500 lb bombs; 1,002 MXU-650 Air Foil Groups for 500 lb Paveway II GBU-12; 515 MXU-1006 Air Foil Groups for 250 lb Paveway II GBU-58; 1,517 computer control groups for Paveway II bombs; 1,002 FMU-152 joint programmable fuzes; and 5,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II all-up rounds.
The deal sought to equip Nigeria’s existing fleet, such as the A-29 Super Tucano, and did not include new aircraft.
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Furthermore, the A-10 Thunderbolt II has a unique history in global aviation: it has never been sold to any foreign nation. The aircraft remains exclusive to the United States Air Force due to its highly specialised maintenance requirements and tactical role.
Further checks by The FactCheckHub found no official announcement from the United States Department of Defence or the DSCA regarding any planned transfer or sale of A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft to Nigeria. Additionally, no credible local or international media organisation has reported such a development, further confirming that the viral claim is unfounded.
VERDICT
The claim that Nigeria Air Force is set to receive a new fleet of A-10 Thunderbolt II by 2030 is FALSE. The claim is based on an announcement regarding the extension of the A-10’s service within the U.S. military, which was then falsely attributed to a sale agreement with the Nigerian Air Force.
Seasoned writer and literary curator, Zainab Abdulrasaq is a factchecker for The FactCheckHub in an effort to combat information disorder. She can be reached on IG @blackbookishgirl or zabdulrasaq@icirnigeria.org
