The idea of an A-10 Thunderbolt II—also known as the Warthog—landing on an aircraft carrier sounds dramatic, but in reality, it does not happen in operational conditions.

The A-10 was specifically designed for close air support over land, focusing on durability, low-speed handling, and heavy firepower. It lacks several critical features required for carrier operations:

• No tailhook to catch arresting wires

• No reinforced landing gear for hard carrier landings

• No folding wings for carrier storage

• Not built to handle the harsh maritime environment

In contrast, naval aircraft like the F/A-18C Hornet are purpose-built for carrier operations. They are equipped with reinforced structures, tailhooks, and specialized systems that allow them to land on short, moving runways at sea.

There have been occasional discussions or theoretical scenarios about unconventional aircraft landing on carriers, but there is no verified real-world footage or operational use of the A-10 performing carrier landings.