The United States Air Force (along with the aviation branches of the US Navy , US Marines , Army, and Coast Guard) is constantly introducing new aircraft and retiring old aircraft . As 2024 draws to a close, the world is now midway through the 2020s. But what aircraft is the US military planning to divest before 2030 rolls around? Here are five types of aircraft currently slated for retirement before 2030 (although it is always possible a decision could be made to keep them in service for longer).
1 McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II The Marines are expected to retire the Harrier by 2027 Role: Ground attack aircraft Introduced: 1985 Replacement: F-35B The Royal Navy catapulted their Sea Harriers to international fame in the Falklands War of 1982; however, they were also one of the first to retire in 2010. The US Marines purchased the retired Royal Navy Harriers to help keep its fleet of Harriers operating for years more. However, time marches on, the end is within sight of the AV-8B Harrier II, and they are expected to retire by around 2026-2027 .
Meanwhile, the Italians are also in the process of retiring their Harriers (which will leave the Spanish as the sole remaining operator of the Harrier). The Harrier is being replaced by the F-35B STOVL fifth-generation multirole fighter - which represents a massive leap in capabilities (including range and payload). Running low on fuel, a Royal Navy Sea Harrier landed on a cargo ship bound for the Canary Islands.
2 EC-130H Compass C.