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US Marines Unveil 2025 Aviation Plan

The US Marine Corps (USMC) has unveiled its 2025 Aviation Plan, introducing “Project Eagle” as its core modernization strategy to enhance operational readiness.

Project Eagle includes two concepts to guide aviation strategy, doctrine, and acquisitions in maintaining service readiness and modernization amid dynamic threats: Distributed Aviation Operations and Decision-Centric Aviation Operations.

These initiatives direct the service to focus on using artificial intelligence-based decision-making, autonomous systems, and advanced digital command and control capabilities, in addition to manned-unmanned teaming.

“Project Eagle builds on the progress we’ve made, and it prepares us to embrace technological innovation while ensuring we can deliver combat power across all domains,” said Col. Derek Brannon, Branch Head for the Cunningham Group, Headquarters Marine Corps Aviation.

Ready to ‘Fight Tonight’

Aside from focusing on technological advancements, the plan also outlined necessary changes in other areas to support the USMC’s readiness in times of conflict.

The service’s existing fleet will be maintained in such a way that will “ensure our aircraft, aircrew, and maintainers are ready to ‘fight tonight,’” while modernizing with new platforms and systems that work seamlessly with current capabilities.

Additionally, there must be a balanced production of capable aircrew and staff, particularly as the Marines transition into advanced technology.

In terms of sustainment, a bottom-up approach is planned for implementation to efficiently meet the needs per unit and accelerate the development of additive manufacturing and digital twin modeling to improve the supply chain.

Current policies and maintenance practices will also be examined and refined, and include the creation of a Maintenance Operations Center to streamline aircraft-on-ground situations.

Upgraded Capabilities

USMC aircraft such as the F-35 fighter jet, MV-22 Osprey helicopter, and AH-1Z Viper will undergo modernization.

Unmanned aerial systems will be increasingly integrated into service, especially as the Marines expand their fleet of MQ-9A Reapers.

MQ-9 Reaper
An MQ-9 Reaper drone landed at an airfield for ground refueling. Photo: Staff Sgt. Joseph Pagan/US Marine Corps

Meanwhile, the Marine Air Command and Control System will utilize advanced tech, including the TPS-80 radar and Ground-Based Air Defense Systems.

Finally, the reserve air wing of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing will support active-duty troops as part of the USMC plan of total force integration. 

“The 2025 Aviation Plan demonstrates our resolute dedication to maintaining operational superiority and ensuring we are always ready to project force, wherever and whenever needed,” noted Deputy Commandant for Aviation Lt. Gen. Bradford Gering.

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