U.S. Marine Corps seeks new long-range cruise missile capability for expeditionary platform

The U.S. Marine Corps is on the hunt for a new ground-based, long-range cruise missile system. This system will provide precision kinetic fires using the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) and its Tactical Tomahawk Weapons Control System (TTWCS).

A Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System launcher deploys into position aboard Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands, Hawaii, Aug. 16, 2021. The NMESIS and its Naval Strike Missiles participated in a live-fire exercise, here, part of Large Scale Exercise 2021. During the training, a Marine Corps fires expeditionary advanced base sensed, located, identified and struck a target ship at sea, which required more than 100 nautical miles of missile flight. The fires EAB Marines developed a targeting solution for a joint force of seapower and airpower which struck the ship as the Marines displaced to a new firing position. The Marine Corps EABO concept is a core component of the Force Design 2030 modernization effort. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Maj. Nick Mannweiler, released)

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JASDF C-2 delivers AN/TPS-80 radar to Camp Yonaguni for Resolute Dragon 24

The U.S. 12th Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR) has deployed an AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) system to Camp Yonaguni, Okinawa, Japan. The radar, transported by a Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) C-2 transport aircraft, marks the first time the system has been deployed to the strategic island.

A U.S. Marine Corps AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar is deployed during exercise Resolute Dragon 24 at Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Camp Yonaguni, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 2, 2024. The radar was deployed to support training with enhanced sensing and targeting data between 12th MLR and the JSDF during RD 24. This effort aims to enhance operational readiness in the region, underscoring the U.S. Marine Corps’ commitment to maintaining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific through realistic training with innovative and proven technology. RD 24 is an annual bilateral exercise in Japan that strengthens the command, control, and multi-domain maneuver capabilities of U.S. Marines in the III Marine Expeditionary Force and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, with a focus on controlling and defending key maritime terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Morales)

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VMFT-402 begins standup at MCAS Beaufort

The U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) has taken a significant step in enhancing its training capabilities with the arrival of the first F-5N Tiger II aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, South Carolina back in May. These aircraft will form the foundation of Marine Fighter Training Squadron (VMFT) 402, the service’s second adversary squadron.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-5N Tiger II with Marine Fighter Training Squadron (VMFT) 402, Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, arrives at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, May 30, 2024. VMFT-402 will be the Marine Corps’ second adversary squadron and will officially be redesignated in Sept. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kyle Baskin)

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VMFA-311 nears IOC milestone with F-35C

U.S. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 311 (VMFA-311) is on the cusp of declaring Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the F-35C Lightning II, marking a significant milestone for the squadron and the U.S. Marine Corps.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Cassandra Touchstone, left, an F-35C Lightning II pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 311, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, conducts pre-flight checks on an F-35C Lightning II aircraft before a basic fighter maneuver training flight at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, July 12, 2024. During the flight, Maj. Timothy Potter, an F-35C Lightning II pilot with VMFA-311 and a graduate of the U.S. Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program, commonly known as TOPGUN, instructed Touchstone to increase her proficiency in fighter maneuvers, or dogfighting. Touchstone is pursuing the air combat maneuvering qualification which enables pilots to conduct air-to-air combat training without an instructor present. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samantha Devine)

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AV-8B BuNo 164560 flying final flight today to HAM

The Hickory Aviation Museum (HAM) is thrilled to announce the upcoming arrival of a retired McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II Plus aircraft (BuNo 164560) to its collection.

U.S. Marines Cpl. Asiel A. Perez, left, and Cpl. Blake R. Phillips, power line mechanics with Marine Attack Squadron 231 (VMA-231), maintain an AV-8B Harrier II, Camp Leatherneck, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, March 5, 2013. These Marines maintain aircraft as part of their daily inspections. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Gabriela Garcia/Released)

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