The A-10 Wart Hog would be an invaluable aerial platform in today's scenario where threat perceptions have changed from conventional battle to COIN ops. It would be an excellent option for CAS as well as counter terror ops as it has the requisite armor protection and greater loiter capabilities due to its low speed.
The A-10 is exceptionally tough. Its strong airframe can survive direct hits from armor-piercing and high-explosive projectiles up to 23 mm. The aircraft has triple redundancy in its flight systems, with mechanical systems to back up double-redundant hydraulic systems. The aircraft is designed to fly with one engine, one tail, one elevator, and half of one wing missing!
Its primary built-in weapon is the 30 mm GAU-8/A Avenger Gatling-type cannon. One of the most powerful aircraft cannons ever flown, it fires large depleted uranium armor-piercing shells. Another commonly used weapon is the AGM-65 Maverick air-to-surface missile, with variants for electro-optical (TV-guided) or infrared targeting. Other weapons include cluster bombs and Hydra rocket pods.
So, wouldn't this be a good option in today's insurgency environment which is a clear and present danger rather than obtaining an expensive aerial platform with an eye on conventional warfare that would perhaps never take place at least in the near future?