End of an Era: Marine Harrier Sundown

[daddyairplanes]

https://theaviationist.com/2026/06/03/end-of-an-era-usmc-av-8b-harrier-ii-sundown/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSNhThleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF4cHJxY0NZTXBJNnVHOTE5c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrhDLlnkssYkDS5NN_QuCgHvEW953fsIWYUWbru4I05ecXbGsfFtlT9IPgL8_aem_G2e3yBXYIFt1V0dq-yUQZw

Squadron doesnt deactivate until September, and several airframes have flights to museums or AMARG over the next month. But no more operational flights.

VMA-223 had just returned from their last deployment (operations in the Caribbean) a few weeks prior on May 20. Working right until the end

[citizen67]

Sad news.

[yakarov79]

Yes, sad news indeed.

 

Meantime, in some other office...

"Guys, can you fly B-52 for a couple more years? Until you know, we have something..."

[Gepard]

When the time is over, then it is over.

There is a point when planes are so outdated or so worn, that an update or repair is not worth the money.

It is sad, but this is the life.

[daddyairplanes]

4 hours ago, yakarov79 said:

 

"Guys, can you fly B-52 for a couple more years? Until you know, we have something..."

 

yeah,  they'll be retired right after their last deployment, bombing LV-426 

[Soulfreak]

Sad news yes.

Italy will outphase their Harries in 2028 (planned was 2030).

Good for Spain, they´ll keep their Harriers flying till 2032.

They made several contracts with USA, Italy & national Industry about spare parts, maintenance contracts etc.