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US Marines Retire AV-8B Harrier

June 3, 2026

1 min read

Key Takeaways

US Marine Corps retires AV-8B Harrier II after 40 years.
Spain takes five retired US jets for spares.
US Marine Corps consolidates on Lockheed Martin F-35B.
Harrier fleet peaked at 280 jets, fell to 87 by 2025.

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Strategic Implications

The retirement of the AV-8B Harrier may indicate the US Marine Corps' confidence in the F-35B's capabilities, which could set a precedent for other nations to transition to fifth-generation aircraft. Spain's decision to acquire spares suggests a commitment to maintaining its STOVL capabilities, which may influence its future procurement decisions.

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What Happened

Spain Acquires Five Jets For Spares As US Consolidates On F-35B

The US Marine Corps has retired the AV-8B Harrier II, concluding over four decades of combat service, with Spain acquiring five retired jets for spares to maintain its own Harrier fleet. The US Marine Corps is consolidating on the Lockheed Martin F-35B, expecting to field 205 F-35B and 56 F-35C jets by the end of 2026. The Harrier’s retirement was marked with a sundown ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, as reported by AeroTime.

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