Although the U.S. Marine Corps is under the Department of the Navy, there is a unit within the Marine Corps that supports the ground task force with aviation support. The Marine Corps Aviation arm has existed since 1912 when First Lieutenant Alfred A. Cunningham flew the first flight as a Marine Aviator. Today, the Marines are often the first force deployed, and Marines are highly trained for a variety of roles. Let’s take a look at the aircraft currently in active service with the U.S. Marines.
24/7 Wall St. has compiled a list of aircraft using data from the 2023 report World Air Forces, from FlightGlobal, an aviation and aerospace industry website. We’ve ranked aircraft based on the number of units in active service in the Marine Corps. We’ve also offered information (per FlightGlobal) on the type of aircraft, the number in active service, and how many are on order. Data on first flights was obtained from Military Factory, an online database of military vehicles, arms, aircraft, and more.
For example, the AV-8B Harrier II is an important aircraft for the Marine Corps, designed for attack missions. Because it’s designed for short takeoffs and vertical landings, it’s often used for ground attack missions. Overall, 88 99 AV-8B Harrier IIs are currently in active service as combat and trainer aircraft.
For heavy-lift operations, the Marine Corps uses the CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter, specifically designed for transporting heavy equipment and large numbers of troops. However, the CH-53K King Stallion is set to replace the Super Stallion, promising improved range, lifting capabilities, and advanced technologies.
The Marine Corps’ existing aircraft fleet serves diverse functions, covering attack, utility, transport, and training roles that contribute to its ability to execute a variety of successful operations worldwide.
Here are the aircraft in active service in the U.S. Marines:
Why Are We Covering This?
On average, the U.S. spends $400 billion a year on the operation and support of its military units. In 2024, $5.7 billion was budgeted to the Marines Corps for aviation readiness. Overall, the Department of Defense has $2.02 trillion in budgetary resources which is 14.6% of the federal budget for 2024.
14. Gulfstream C-20
The Gulfstream C-20’s first flight was in September 1985. It’s a transport aircraft with one plane currently active.
13. Beechcraft T-34 Mentor
The Beechcraft T-34 Mentor’s first flight was in December 1948. It’s a training aircraft with four planes that are currently active.
12. Ch-53K King Stallion
The Ch-53K King Stallion’s first flight was in December 2011. It’s a combat helicopter with seven units that are currently active, and 197 more on order for the Marines.
11. Cessna Citation Sovereign
The Cessna Citation Sovereign’s first flight was in February 2002. It’s a transport aircraft with 10 units that are currently active, and two additional planes on order for the Marines.
10. F-5 Freedom Fighter
The F-5 Freedom Fighter’s first flight was in July 1959. It’s a training aircraft with 12 active planes.
9. Beechcraft C-12 Huron
The Beechcraft C-12 Huron’s first flight was in October 1972. It’s a transport aircraft with 15 active planes, and two more on order for the Marines.
8. KC-130 Super Hercules
The KC-130 Super Hercules’ first flight was in January 1960. It’s a tanker aircraft with 64 active planes, and 20 more on order for the Marines.
7. AV-8B Harrier II
The AV-8B Harrier II’s first flight was in November 1981. It’s a combat/training aircraft with 99 active planes.
6. F-35 Lightning II
The F-35 Lightning II’s first flight was in December 2006. It’s a combat/training aircraft with 127 active planes, and 303 more on order for the Marines.
5. Bell UH-1Y Venom (Super Huey)
The Bell UH-1Y Venom (Super Huey)’s first flight was in December 2001. It’s a combat helicopter with 129 active units.
4. CH-53E Super Stallion
The CH-53E Super Stallion’s first flight was in March 1974. It’s a combat helicopter with 140 active units.
3. Bell AH-1Z Viper
The Bell AH-1Z Viper’s first flight was in December 2000. It’s a combat helicopter with 159 active units.
2. F/A-18 Hornet
The F/A-18 Hornet’s first flight was in November 1978. It’s a combat/training aircraft with 184 active units.
1. Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey
The Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey’s first flight was in May 1977. It’s a combat helicopter with 289 active units, and 33 more on order for the Marines.
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