On May 10, 2022, the U.S. Marine Corps released a revised aviation strategy that emphasizes the incorporation of autonomous systems, drones, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven software to enhance the survivability of its aircraft fleet in hostile environments. This strategy includes a shift in procurement plans for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, leaning towards acquiring more carrier-based F-35Cs while reducing the number of F-35B variants, which can hover and vertically land.
The newly unveiled **2025 Marine Corps Aviation Plan**, the first update in three years, serves as a “roadmap to enhancing operational readiness and ensuring Marine aviation remains a lethal force.” The plan highlights a modernization strategy known as **Project Eagle**, signed by Lt. Gen. Bradford Gering, the deputy commandant for aviation. Colonel Derek Brannon of Headquarters Marine Corps Aviation stated that Project Eagle aims to create a resilient aviation force, capable of swiftly addressing emerging threats.
Project Eagle emphasizes the use of advanced technologies, including AI, and introduces concepts like distributed aviation operations and decision-centric aviation operations. Distributed aviation operations focus on the coordination of aviation squadrons, command-and-control agencies, logistics, and support units across battlefields, making it more difficult for adversaries to target them. Conversely, decision-centric aviation operations leverage AI to expedite decision-making processes.
To transition into a “data centric and data enabled organization,” the Marine Corps is urged to invest in infrastructure, personnel, and training, signaling that “linear incremental change will not be sufficient.” The plan also calls for allocating resources and funding for advanced capabilities such as drones for logistics support, improvements in aircraft survivability, and manned-unmanned teaming, which integrates crewed aircraft with autonomous drones.
Regarding the F-35 aircraft procurement, the Marine Corps plans to purchase a total of 420 Joint Strike Fighters, comprising 280 F-35Bs and 140 F-35Cs. This marks a substantial increase in the F-35C acquisitions compared to the previous 2022 plan, which called for 353 F-35Bs and only 67 F-35Cs. The intention is to transition four Marine Fighter Attack Squadrons—VMFA-232, VMFA-323, VMFA-112, and VMFA-134—to F-35C squadrons, resulting in a fleet of 12 F-35B squadrons and 8 F-35C squadrons by the end of 2025. The Marine Corps anticipates having delivered 183 F-35Bs and 52 F-35Cs by this time.
In addition to acquisition strategies, the plan outlines initiatives for improving aircraft sustainment, urging overall modernization practices. This includes redesigning support equipment for greater efficiency, enhancing training systems, and employing technologies like additive manufacturing and digital modeling to streamline the supply chain, all while promoting an innovative culture among aviation sustainment Marines.
Stephen Losey serves as the air warfare reporter for Defense News, with experience in covering leadership and personnel issues within the military sector, particularly focusing on operations in the Middle East.
