U.S. fighter jets continue to rely on traditional weaponry despite evolving combat needs

Traditional weaponry on U.S. fighter jets, particularly guns, remains in use despite discussions about their obsolescence. All current U.S. fighter jets are equipped with guns, and they were actively used in combat situations in 2024. Recent incidents, including a response to an Iranian missile strike, demonstrated the continued relevance of guns. In one case, an F-15E pilot resorted to using the gun after exhausting missile supplies, highlighting their utility in close-range scenarios. The A-10 Thunderbolt II, known for its powerful GAU-8 Avenger cannon, is set to retire by 2030, raising questions about the future of gun systems. The F-35A has a gun, but it is not prioritized in its operations, and other variants lack internal guns altogether.