The US Marine Corps is revising its approach to F-35 Joint Strike Fighter procurement by focusing more on the carrier-based F-35C variant at the expense of the short-take-off and vertical landing F-35B variant.
This shift is part of the Corps’ updated aviation plan, which will see the service purchasing 140 F-35Cs, significantly more than the previously intended 67 units.
The total procurement plan of 420 F-35s remains unchanged, but the Marines will now purchase 280 F-35Bs instead of the previously planned 353. This new configuration seeks to better match the Corps’ growing operational requirements.
According to the revised TACAIR Transition plan, Marine Fighter Attack Squadrons (VMFAs) such as VMFA-232, VMFA-323, VMFA-112, and VMFA-134 will now transition to F-35C squadrons. The plan specifies that 12 F-35B squadrons and 8 F-35C squadrons will be supported under the new structure.
As of now, the Marine Corps has received 183 F-35Bs and 52 F-35Cs. Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-35, expressed support for the decision.
“We support the US Marine Corps’ decision to adjust to an F-35 fleet configuration that best allows them to fulfill their critical missions with the world’s most advanced aircraft,” the manufacturer added.
The Marine Corps also plans to implement a new model for squadron aircraft distribution. Starting in FY2024, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni-based F-35 squadrons adopted a 12 Primary Aircraft Assigned (PAA) per squadron model. Following a thorough review, this model will be expanded across the entire fleet by FY30.
The transition will also involve adjustments to squadron manpower, with an increase in maintenance personnel, including 25 corrosion control specialists and two additional pilots per squadron.
These changes are set to be implemented by FY28 as the Corps adapts to the updated aircraft structure.
At the core of the updated aviation plan is “Project Eagle,” an ambitious initiative extending through 2040. This program will explore new warfighting concepts and integrate artificial intelligence to increase operational readiness and strategic flexibility.
Focus On F-35C – Carrier Variant
While both the F-35B and F-35C are part of the same technological family, they are tailored for distinct operational needs. The F-35B is optimized for short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities, which makes it ideal for deployment on smaller vessels or makeshift airstrips.
On the other hand, the F-35C is specifically designed for carrier-based operations. It is equipped with reinforced landing gear for catapult launches, arrested landings, and foldable wings for more efficient storage on crowded carrier decks.
The F-35C also has a larger fuel capacity, holding nearly 20,000 pounds of internal fuel, thus enhancing its range for long-duration missions.
Military aerospace analyst Jon Hemler of Forecast International points out that the increased acquisition of F-35Cs shows a clear shift toward prioritizing carrier operations, especially in the context of improving the operational capacity of forces in the Indo-Pacific region.
According to a recent report, the F-35C has also outperformed its siblings in terms of readiness. Its operational capabilities have improved more consistently than those of the F-35A and F-35B.
The F-35 program has faced persistent issues with its availability. Mission-capable rates—assessing whether a jet can carry out at least one assigned mission—and fully mission-capable rates—indicating the aircraft’s readiness to perform all missions—remain critical challenges.
The F-35A, which is designed for conventional takeoff and landing, has seen its mission-capable rates decline in recent years, falling short of set targets. Similarly, the F-35B has faced stagnation in its mission-capable and fully mission-capable rates, both of which remain below desired levels.
However, the carrier-based F-35C has shown some positive signs, with its mission-capable rate staying relatively steady and its fully mission-capable rate seeing slight improvements, though both still fall short of the program’s ambitious goals.
Moreover, the US Marine Corps continues to emphasize its commitment to integrating the F-35C into its naval operations, ensuring that squadrons of these aircraft are regularly deployed as part of Navy carrier air wings.
The ongoing F-35 modernization efforts, including the Technology Refresh-3 (TR-3) software/hardware and APG-85 radar upgrades, alongside continuous improvements for weapons storage and integration, are set to further increase the aircraft’s capabilities and readiness.
The integration of additional weapons, such as the AGM-88G AARGM-ER, is progressing, with external integration ongoing for the F-35B and internal integration for the F-35C.
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