NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. – Over the next five years, Marine aviators can expect significant enhancements in their aerial capabilities, including an increased number of F-35s, an upgraded MV-22 Osprey fleet, a larger fleet of cargo aircraft, and data-enabled predictive aircraft maintenance. This vision was presented by Deputy Commandant for Aviation, Lt. Gen. Bradford Gering, during the Navy League’s annual Sea-Air-Space Exposition.
Gering outlined that modernization within the Marine Corps includes the integration of a fully fifth-generation tactical air force, primarily comprising F-35s, augmented by collaborative combat aircraft. He also highlighted the plans for a complete fleet of CH-53K helicopters designated for heavy lift missions. Furthermore, the MV-22 program is set to complete its midlife upgrades during the remaining five-year budget cycle.
In terms of unmanned aerial systems, the Marine Corps will continue to utilize MQ-9 Reapers, which are currently operational. Gering indicated that these drones will receive significant upgrades to their payload and sensor capabilities in the future.
On the logistics front, the Corps anticipates finalizing the procurement of 95 KC-130J cargo planes necessary for its transport operations. Currently, there are two training squadrons and nine operational squadrons flying the F-35 Lightning II, a fifth-generation fighter. In the coming five years, the Corps plans to establish seven new active-duty squadrons, supported by two reserve squadrons.
By the conclusion of the F-35 transition, the Marine Corps intends to have 18 active squadrons—12 operating the F-35B and six operating the F-35C. The reserve squadrons will utilize the C variant, which is optimized for aircraft carrier operations, while the B variant is capable of vertical takeoff and landing.
Gering emphasized the Corps’ objective to effectively manage and neutralize enemy air capabilities through improved airborne command and control and an scalable aviation ground support structure that facilitates expeditionary operations within a distributed aviation environment.
In its aviation plan released in January, the Marines detailed their airborne assets and adjusted their procurement strategy, opting for a higher number of carrier-based F-35Cs and fewer short-takeoff and vertical landing F-35Bs. The total planned procurement of Joint Strike Fighters remains at 420, with eventual totals of 280 F-35Bs and 140 F-35Cs, more than doubling the anticipated number of F-35Cs compared to the 2022 plan, which expected 353 F-35Bs and 67 F-35Cs.
Todd South, a Marine veteran of the Iraq War, has been reporting on crime, courts, government, and military matters since 2004. He was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2014 for a co-written project addressing witness intimidation.
