2026 Marine Corps Aviation Plan

The Marine Corps Aviation Plan (AVPLAN) outlines the strategic vision, key capabilities, and future direction for Marine Corps Aviation, aiming to enhance readiness and address emerging threats. The 2026 AVPLAN marks a significant evolution from 2025, transitioning from strategic direction to concrete, data-driven implementation.

While the overarching goal of balancing crisis response readiness with modernization for the future remains constant, the 2026 AVPLAN introduces more defined, measurable, and time-bound initiatives. The plan focuses on developing capabilities critical to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force and leveraging Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) to generate decisive advantage through superior, high-speed decision-making. It also aligns Marine Aviation with broader strategic goals, ensuring the Marine Corps remains at the forefront of warfighting capabilities and lethality.

Central to the AVPLAN is the active integration of AI/ML as a primary modernization effort. Specific initiatives include predictive maintenance, dynamic aviation supply, and optimized operations. These approaches are designed to increase readiness, reduce operational costs, and provide a decisive information advantage. The plan also introduces the Safety North Star initiative, "26 in 26," as a measurable objective to reduce aviation mishaps.

The AVPLAN includes detailed, sequenced roadmaps that detail the progress of modernization across the aviation portfolio. Key initiatives include the Tactical Aircraft Transition Plan, CH-53K Transition Plan, modernization of MV-22s and H-1s, and survivability upgrades for air and ground aviation platforms. The AVPLAN outlines a substantial expansion of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems enterprise, prioritizing the integration of the MQ-58 Collaborative Combat Aircraft, MQ-9A, and advanced Manned-Unmanned Teaming capabilities.

An additional highlight of the 2026 AVPLAN is the recognition of Distributed Aviation Operations (DAO) as the central warfighting concept. In turn, Aviation Ground Support (AGS) is formally elevated to the Seventh Function of Marine Aviation and designated "the backbone of DAO." This change is accompanied by a recapitalization strategy for AGS that provides the capabilities necessary for success in contested environments.

The AVPLAN maintains a long-term vision that looks to 2040 and beyond, charting a path for development and investment through multiple Future Years Defense Programs. This forward-looking strategy ensures that Marine Aviation remains prepared not only for current challenges but also for future conflicts.

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