The U.S. Air Force has deployed A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft to address maritime threats in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Pentagon officials.

During a Pentagon briefing, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine announced the deployment of the aircraft, commonly known as "Warthogs," to target boats that have been attacking ships transiting the strategic waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz serves as a critical shipping lane connecting the Persian Gulf to international waters, with significant portions of global oil and gas shipments passing through the narrow waterway daily.

The deployment comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran in the region. The strait has been a frequent flashpoint for maritime incidents involving commercial vessels and military assets from various nations.

The A-10 Thunderbolt II is a twin-engine aircraft designed specifically for close air support missions and attacking ground targets. The aircraft's deployment represents an escalation in U.S. military response to maritime security threats in the region.