DefenseU.S. Marine Corps to retire AV-8B Harrier II in June
The U.S. Marine Corps will retire its remaining Boeing AV-8B Harrier II attack jets in June, according to the 2026 Marine Corps Aviation Plan released on February 10.
Marine Attack Squadron 223 (VMA-223), based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, is the last operational AV-8B unit. The squadron’s final flight is scheduled for June 3 as part of a series of events planned for June 1–5.
VMA-223 currently has an AV-8B detachment deployed with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima. The deployment marks the last scheduled operational mission for the Harrier.
The aviation plan states that the “Harrier’s final operational chapter is currently being written by the Marines of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223,” adding that remaining aircraft at Cherry Point will support Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Air Wing tasking until the platform’s operational sunset in fiscal year 2026.
The Marine Corps began operating the Harrier in 1971 with the AV-8A, followed by the AV-8C and later the AV-8B Harrier II, which entered service in 1985. The AV-8B introduced improved avionics and performance, with later variants including the night-attack AV-8B(NA) and the radar-equipped AV-8B Harrier II Plus.
The Harrier’s vertical/short takeoff and landing capability allowed it to operate from amphibious assault ships and expeditionary airfields, supporting Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations. According to the aviation plan, the aircraft was equipped with precision-guided munitions, the LITENING targeting pod and Link 16 data link.
AV-8Bs participated in multiple combat operations, including Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Inherent Resolve and Southern Spear.
VMA-223 is scheduled to be redesignated as a Marine fighter attack squadron in fiscal 2027 as it transitions to the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II short takeoff/vertical landing fighter.
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