WASHINGTON — The U-2 spy plane was on the chopping block Monday as Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel outlined a series of slashing cuts sure to draw fire in Congress.
The famed plane would be retired after generations of service, replaced by the unmanned Global Hawk aircraft. Gone, too, would be the fleet of A-10 “Warthogs.” an aircraft renowned for providing air support to ground troops.
“We chose further reductions in troop strength and force structure in every military service – active and reserve – in order to sustain our readiness and technological superiority and to protect critical capabilities,” Hagel said.