The Aircraft Fleet of the US Marines

The U.S. Marine Corps is frequently the initial force deployed, embodying the “First to Fight” motto. Preparedness for early engagement in any conflict involves intensive training and a well-equipped arsenal that includes versatile aircraft capable of executing diverse missions. Here is a summary of all the aircraft currently in active service with the U.S. Marines.

To identify these aircraft, 24/7 Wall St. referenced the 2023 report, World Air Forces, from FlightGlobal, an aviation and aerospace industry website. Aircraft is ranked by the number of units in active service in the Marine Corps. Supplemental data regarding the type of aircraft, how many are in active service, and how many are on order came from FlightGlobal. Data on each aircraft’s first flight came from Military Factory, an online database of military vehicles, aircraft, arms, and more.

The AV-8B Harrier II plays a crucial role as an attack aircraft in the Marine Corps, specifically designed for ground attack missions. Its technology allows short takeoffs and vertical landings so that it can be used in almost any environment. There are 99 AV-8B Harrier IIs in active service and they are used 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:

14. Gulfstream C-20

• Type: Transport
• Active in U.S. Marines: 1
• First flight: September 1985
• On order for the Marines: 0

13. Beechcraft T-34 Mentor

• Type: Training aircraft
• Active in U.S. Marines: 4
• First flight: December 1948
• On order for the Marines: 0

12. Ch-53K King Stallion

CH-53K King Stallion (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Lutz Blohm

• Type: Combat helicopter
• Active in U.S. Marines: 7
• First flight: December 2011
• On order for the Marines: 197

11. Cessna Citation Sovereign

Cessna Citation Sovereign Rafa... (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Rafael Luiz Canossa

• Type: Transport
• Active in U.S. Marines: 10
• First flight: February 2002
• On order for the Marines: 2

10. F-5 Freedom Fighter

• Type: Training aircraft
• Active in U.S. Marines: 12
• First flight: July 1959
• On order for the Marines: 0

9. Beechcraft C-12 Huron

84-00165 Beechcraft C 12 Huro... (CC BY 2.0) by Steve Knight

• Type: Transport
• Active in U.S. Marines: 15
• First flight: October 1972
• On order for the Marines: 2

8. KC-130 Super Hercules

• Type: Tanker
• Active in U.S. Marines: 64
• First flight: January 1960
• On order for the Marines: 20

7. AV-8B Harrier II

• Type: Combat aircraft, training aircraft
• Active in U.S. Marines: 99
• First flight: November 1981
• On order for the Marines: 0

6. F-35 Lightning II

• Type: Combat aircraft, training aircraft
• Active in U.S. Marines: 127
• First flight: December 2006
• On order for the Marines: 303

5. Bell UH-1Y Venom (Super Huey)

• Type: Combat helicopter
• Active in U.S. Marines: 129
• First flight: December 2001
• On order for the Marines: 0

4. CH-53E Super Stallion

CH-53E Super Stallion (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Tomu00c3u00a1s Del Coro

• Type: Combat helicopter
• Active in U.S. Marines: 140
• First flight: March 1974
• On order for the Marines: 0

3. Bell AH-1Z Viper

• Type: Combat helicopter
• Active in U.S. Marines: 159
• First flight: December 2000
• On order for the Marines: 0

2. F/A-18 Hornet

• Type: Combat aircraft, training aircraft
• Active in U.S. Marines: 184
• First flight: November 1978
• On order for the Marines: 0

1. Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey

• Type: Combat helicopter
• Active in U.S. Marines: 289
• First flight: May 1977
• On order for the Marines: 33