The iconic jump jet will conclude operations with a June ceremony as the Corps transitions to the F-35B stealth fighter.
The U.S. Marine Corps will retire its AV-8B Harrier II jump jets in June 2026, accelerating the retirement timeline as the service expands its fleet of F-35B stealth fighters, according to the service’s 2026 aviation plan released this week.
The plan calls for a “sundown ceremony and final flight” in June to mark the end of the Harrier era. Last year’s aviation plan projected the aircraft would remain in service through 2027.
The Corps’ original short take-off and vertical landing aircraft is completing its final deployment with Marine Attack Squadron 223, currently embarked with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima.
“As the Harrier era concludes, its highly experienced aircrew and maintenance personnel are transitioning their skills to other platforms, primarily the [Lockheed Martin] F-35B, ensuring their expertise continues to benefit Marine Corps Aviation,” the plan states.
By the end of 2026, the Marines will have an inventory of 205 F-35Bs and 56 F-35Cs. The F-35B is the short take-off and vertical landing version of the Joint Strike Fighter, while the F-35C variant operates from Navy aircraft carriers. The Corps’ overall program calls for 420 F-35s.
The aviation plan emphasizes the service’s commitment to combat readiness while “aggressively modernizing” for future threats. A key priority involves integrating new weapons, including the Small Diameter Bomb II and the AGM-158 series, which comprises the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range and Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile.
Work also continues on teaming collaborative combat aircraft with the F-35 under the MUX-TACAIR effort.
The Marines’ 128 upgraded Boeing F/A-18C/D Hornets will continue operations as the F-35 transition progresses. The plan indicates the Hornet fleet will depart the force after 2029.
“The aggressive, final fit modernization program increases survivability and lethality against both air and surface threats to enable the Hornet to continue executing assigned missions,” the plan states.
The service will expand its adversary training fleet from 13 to 22 Northrop F-5 aircraft with the addition of jets formerly operated by the Swiss air force. The Marines plan to replace the F-5s within 10 to 15 years under its “Adversary Next” effort as demand for adversary sorties grows alongside the expanding F-35 fleet.
The plan also highlights the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems MQ-9A unmanned aircraft, particularly its role in supporting kill webs.
“The MQ-9A’s readiness, persistence, multi-spectrum sensing, and range, connected through digital networks, shape actions on the ground across the spectrum of conflict and directly benefit Marines with strategic results,” according to the plan.
The document emphasizes aviation safety and strict adherence to procedures, noting that historically, 30% of Marine Corps aviation mishaps stem from noncompliance with established rules.
Key Takeaways
- The Marine Corps will retire the AV-8B Harrier II in June 2026 with a final ceremonial flight marking the end of the jump jet era.
- The Corps will receive 205 F-35B stealth fighters and 56 carrier-capable F-35C variants by year’s end as part of a 420-aircraft modernization program.
- New long-range weapons including the Small Diameter Bomb II, JASSM-ER, and LRASM are being integrated to enhance strike capabilities.
- The adversary training fleet will grow from 13 to 22 F-5 aircraft with former Swiss air force jets joining the force.
