US Marine Corps retires Harrier AV-8B, Spain to receive five jets

The United States Marine Corps conducted the final operational flight of its AV‑8B Harrier on 3 June at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, ending more than four decades of service. The retirement is part of a transition plan that will replace the legacy vertical‑take‑off aircraft with the fifth‑generation F‑35B, despite concerns over the high unit cost of the new fighter.

Following the U.S. withdrawal, Spain’s Ministry of Defence announced it will acquire five AV‑8B Harrier II aircraft that were formerly operated by the Marine Corps. The deal secures spare‑parts support and extends the operational life of Spain’s Harrier fleet, which the navy intends to keep serviceable until at least 2032 while it awaits future procurement decisions.