The Harrier II, a revolutionary jump jet that has served the military for four decades, is nearing the end of its tenure with the United States Marine Corps.

Earlier this spring, the last U.S. Marine Corps aviators completed training on the AV-8B Harrier II, marking the final chapter of this aircraft’s storied history with American forces.

As the Marine Corps transitions to the more modern F-35B Lightning II by September 2026, it is worth reflecting on the Harrier II’s impact and the future of vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) aircraft.

In contrast, the Spanish Navy has announced plans to continue operating its fleet of ten Harrier jets until at least 2030, with seven currently deployed on their flagship, the Juan Carlos I.

Spain’s decision to extend the life of their Harriers underscores their satisfaction with the aircraft’s performance and the logistical challenges of transitioning to a newer model such as the F-35B.

Captain Regodón Gómez, commander of the Spanish Naval Aviation, highlighted the operational significance of their Harriers, stating, “This figure underscores the professionalism and good work of the maintainers at all levels. We are very aware that the challenge is very important because the other two users of the model [the Italian Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps] decommission it.”

The Harrier II, celebrated for its role in the 1991 Gulf War, is showing its age but remains a capable warbird. Its rugged reliability has made it a mainstay aboard amphibious assault ships and simple forward operating bases since the 1980s. U.S. Army General Norman Schwarzkopf named the AV-8B Harrier II one of the most important weapons of that conflict—a testament to its effectiveness despite the years that have passed.

However, the march of time and technology waits for no aircraft. With the introduction of the F-35B Lightning II, a new era of V/STOL capability has begun.

The F-35B, with its advanced stealth technology and integrated sensor package, represents a significant leap forward in military aviation.

Despite the F-35B’s emergence, upgrades are still being made to the Harrier to maintain its competitiveness.

These include avionics and software updates, such as the integration of RNP/RNAV, LINK-16, ADS-B, and Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems, as well as the addition of Gen Four LITENING targeting sensors and the ability to carry AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II and AIM-120C Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles.

As the final Harrier squadron in the U.S. Marine Corps, VMA-223, prepares for its transition to the F-35B, it is a moment of reflection for those who have worked with this iconic jet. Gunnery Sgt. Ryan Fife, a fixed-wing mechanic and instructor, expressed the sentiment, “Teaching this class is bittersweet. I am proud to pass on knowledge to the last generation of students.”

The story of the Harrier II encapsulates the constant evolution of military technology and the balancing act between maintaining proven workhorses and embracing next-generation fighters.

As the Spanish Navy keeps its Harriers flying and the U.S. Marine Corps bids them farewell, the legacy of the Harrier II as a transformative aircraft in V/STOL operations remains secure.

Whether serving in conflicts across the globe or capturing the public’s imagination in pop culture, the Harrier II has proved that adaptability and capability can define an aircraft’s role well beyond its expected service life.

Relevant articles:
– The Harrier II Fighter Will Keep Flying (Just Not for America), The National Interest
– Do Any Air Forces Still Use The Hawker Harrier Jet?, simpleflying.com
– Last Harrier mechanics finish training as Corps shifts to F-35, Marine Corps Times
– The fighter jet that got Pepsi sued is approaching retirement, Sandboxx