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Why were the Sukhoi Su-25 and A-10 designed to attack tank formations at treetop level?

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military aircraft Tupolev Tu-22M, a Russian variable-wing supersonic jet bomber first flown in 1969. It was designed for potential use in war against the NATO countries, where it was known by the designation “Backfire.”

The Sukhoi Su-25 and the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II were designed to operate at treetop level to counter the massive armored divisions that characterized the Cold War standoff in central Europe.1

By flying at extremely low altitudes, these aircraft could utilize the terrain to mask their approach from enemy radar and ground-based air defenses. Upon reaching the target area, the aircraft would "pop up" to engage tank formations using their specialized onboard weaponry—such as the A-10's nose-mounted, 30-mm rotary cannon—before returning to low-level flight to evade retaliatory fire.1

This tactic was essential for providing close air support in an environment saturated with sophisticated antiaircraft missiles and radar-guided guns. The design of these aircraft prioritized survivability for this high-risk mission; for instance, the A-10 features a protective titanium "bathtub" for the pilot and redundant flight systems, allowing it to endure heavy ground fire while attacking armored vehicles at close range.1