The United States Marine Corps is undergoing a significant transformation of its aviation assets, as detailed in the recently released 2025 Marine Aviation Plan. The plan aims to maintain a lethal and responsive Aviation Combat Element (ACE) by transitioning to an all-5th generation tactical aircraft fleet and modernising all other aspects of the ACE. The plan encompasses a wide range of updates across fixed-wing, tiltrotor, rotary-wing, unmanned, and support aircraft, each playing a crucial role in the Corps’ future warfighting capabilities.
In the realm of fixed-wing aircraft, the F-35B/C Lightning II takes centre stage. The Marine Corps is adjusting its procurement strategy, with the total program of record remaining at 420 F-35 aircraft, but with a notable shift towards more F-35Cs and a reduction in the number of F-35Bs. The revised plan now calls for the acquisition of 280 F-35Bs and 140 F-35Cs, designed to support 12 F-35B squadrons and 8 F-35C squadrons respectively. This move also sees several F/A-18 Hornet squadrons, specifically VMFA-232, VMFA-323, VMFA-112 and VMFA-134, transitioning to the F-35C variant. By 2030, all operational F-35 squadrons will be equipped with 12 aircraft each, requiring substantial manpower realignments. The Corps continues to emphasise its commitment to Naval Integration and the TACAIR Integration Plan, with F-35C squadrons regularly deploying as units of Navy carrier air wings. Further upgrades and modernization of the F-35 are underway, including TR-3 hardware, APG-85 radar enhancements and continuous weapons integration such as internal storage of six AIM-120 missiles.
The venerable F/A-18C/D Hornet continues to play a critical role in the Marine Corps’ tactical air arsenal, providing maritime strike and air interdiction capabilities. The training of new F/A-18 aircrews has now shifted to the Fleet Replacement Detachment (FRD) within VMFA-323, ensuring a steady supply of qualified pilots. A key modernisation is the integration of Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology with the AN/APG-79(v)4 radar, which will significantly enhance its capabilities.
The AV-8B Harrier remains vital for supporting the MAGTF commander. The AV-8B’s ability to deploy from amphibious ready groups (ARGs) and its rapid turnaround times makes it indispensable for Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs). However, the sun is setting on the Harrier with VMA-231 scheduled to sundown in late FY25, followed by VMA-223 in late FY26, both squadrons transitioning to the F-35B. The Marine Corps remains committed to supporting the AV-8B program until its operational sunset. The AV-8B will continue its role in training Forward Air Controllers, Joint Terminal Attack Controllers, and support service-level tasks.
The KC-130J Hercules continues to be a critical enabler for forward-deployed MAGTF success. This versatile platform provides tactical lift, aerial refuelling, and various mission support roles in all corners of the world. The activation of VMGR-153 in Hawaii highlights the importance of the Hercules to MAGTF mobility throughout the Indo-Pacific region. The Marine Corps has already taken delivery of 80% of its required KC-130J aircraft, with the program of record sitting at 95. The integration with the MAGTF and the Joint Force is further enhanced through the use of GPS Retransmission Kits and ViaSat KuSS Band Hatch Mounted Satellite Antenna Systems.
Shifting focus to tiltrotor aircraft, the MV-22B Osprey is described as a cornerstone of the MAGTF. It provides medium-lift assault support to ground forces in multiple theatres, with its speed, range, and aerial refuelling capabilities making it uniquely flexible. The MV-22B is based in several locations across the globe including Djibouti, Hawaii and Okinawa, giving it the ability to respond to crises and humanitarian missions. The Marine Corps has a program of record for 360 MV-22s. The emphasis is on streamlining configuration, inventory, and supply chain management, and a reduction of the number of unique configurations is underway. There is an ongoing push for improvements in degraded visual environment capabilities, digital interoperability and aircraft survivability. The Proprotor Gearbox (PRGB) is also receiving upgrades to improve safety, reliability and durability.
In the rotary-wing domain, the CH-53K King Stallion is set to provide a significant boost in heavy-lift capabilities. The CH-53K offers triple the range and payload of the CH-53E, which it is slated to replace by FY32. The Marine Corps plans to acquire a total of 200 CH-53Ks. The first CH-53K MEU detachment is expected to deploy in FY27.
The AH-1Z/UH-1Y H-1 platform acts as a ‘multi-tool’ for the MAGTF, providing both attack and utility capabilities. The H-1 program is fully delivered with 349 aircraft, and its modernisation focuses on four key areas: digital interoperability, survivability, lethality, and Structural Improvement and Electrical Power Upgrade (SIEPU).
The MQ-9A Reaper leads the way in unmanned aircraft, highlighting the growing importance of UAS as force multipliers. The MUX MALE program is designed to equip Marine Unmanned Aerial System Squadrons (VMU) with a remote split operations aviation system, which will be implemented in two increments. The current fleet is organised to maintain two active squadrons and one training squadron, with 18 fleet aircraft by Q1FY26. Future capabilities include Proliferated Low Earth Orbit capability, Electronic Warfare Support payloads, and a Detect and Avoid System. The MQ-9A program will use Contract Logistics Support (CLS), with the activation of Unmanned Aerial System Maintenance Squadron 1. The Marine Corps is also establishing its own training capability.
In terms of support aircraft, the F-5 N/F is used as a professional fixed-wing aggressor training resource. There are currently 13 F-5s assigned to VMFT-401 and VMFAT-402. Funding is in place for life-limited components to ensure the F-5 achieves its planned life and an ongoing upgrade to glass cockpits is underway. Upgrading the electronic warfare capability of the F-5 and incorporation of an IRST are priorities for the aggressor community and Program office.
Operational Support Airlift (OSA) provides time-sensitive air transport and is essential for supporting forward-deployed MAGTFs. OSA aircraft are currently supporting MARCENT and MARFOREUAF, and its operations rely heavily on the integration with the OSA Reserves. The priority is the recapitalisation of non-deployable aircraft, specifically the procurement of the UC-12W.
Finally, the Presidential Helicopter Plan is focused on the transition from the legacy VH-3D and VH-60N aircraft to the new VH-92A. HMX-1 has already taken delivery of 10 VH-92As, and once fully transitioned, the squadron will operate 16 VH-92As. The VH-3D aircraft will continue to serve through 2026, with the VH-60N through 2030.
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