The A-10 Thunderbolt won’t retire until warthogs fly.

According to a Defense One report, the U.S. Air Force’s plan to retire the A-10 Thunderbolt has been shelved–again–due to the plane’s demand in the war against ISIS.

The A-10, nicknamed the Warthog for its long metal snout and the iconic BRRRRT sound of its GAU-8 Avenger 30mm cannon, is a durable, powerful aircraft built to endure ground fire. It flies low and slow so troops can unload a volley of bullets at enemies and support allies fighting on the ground. Since the conflict of ISIS has mostly been fought air-to-ground, a flying tank like the A-10 is an invaluable asset.

The Air Force attempted to put the warthogs out to pasture for three years in order to free up the budget to focus on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the aircraft designed to replace both the A-10 and the F-16. However, Congress blocked the A-10’s retirement each time. With troops being deployed to Afghanistan and Syria, the Air Force as no choice but to keep the A-10 in the 2017 military budget.

Rep. Martha McSally is a former A-10 pilot who flew combat missions during the Gulf war. She said in a statement that she is glad the A-10 Thunderbolt will finally be put to use.

“It appears the [Obama] Administration is finally coming to its senses and recognizing the importance of A-10s to our troops’ lives and national security,” McSally said. “With A-10s deployed in the Middle East to fight ISIS, in Europe to deter Russian aggression, and along the Korean Peninsula, administration officials can no longer deny how invaluable these planes are to our arsenal and military capabilities.”

Sen. John McCain echoed McSally’s statement.

“I welcome reports that the Air Force has decided to keep the A-10 aircraft flying through Fiscal Year 2017, ensuring our troops have the vital close-air support they need for missions around the world,” McCain said.