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Yuma Today
By the People, for the People
Marine Corps Unveils 2026 Aviation Plan Blending AI and Warfighters
The new AVPLAN aims to enhance readiness and address emerging threats through modernization and data-driven initiatives.
Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:25pm
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The Marine Corps' 2026 aviation strategy blends human expertise with AI-powered capabilities to enhance readiness and modernize for the future fight.Yuma TodayThe U.S. Marine Corps has released its 2026 Aviation Plan (AVPLAN), outlining a strategic vision to balance crisis response with long-term modernization. The plan, described as a 'significant evolution' from 2025, introduces more defined, measurable initiatives including developing critical capabilities for the Marine Air-Ground Task Force and leveraging Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) to gain an advantage over adversaries.
Why it matters
The 2026 AVPLAN represents the Marines' efforts to remain globally responsive to crises while also transforming their aviation capabilities for the future fight. It aims to make Marine aviation more survivable, distributed, data-enabled, and lethal across a range of military operations through a framework called Project Eagle.
The details
Project Eagle guides Marine aviation toward a more modernized force, establishing the strategic path across three Future Years Defense Programs. It is supported by five main lines of effort: Concepts, Functions, Transformation & Innovation, Resourcing, and Roadmaps. This includes initiatives like distributed aviation operations, decision-centric aviation operations, dynamic aviation supply, predictive maintenance, and optimized operations enabled by AI and data.
- The 2026 AVPLAN was published in February 2026.
- The plan outlines a strategic vision extending through the year 2040 and beyond.
The players
Lt. Col Marianne 'LOB' Carlson
A Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) and planner of aviation vision and strategy with the Cunningham Group.
Maj. James Turner
A Pennsylvania native and AH-1Z Viper pilot with Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1).
What they’re saying
“How do we remain postured to respond to any crisis while also modernizing for the future fight? That is a delicate balance, but I think one that the AVPLAN spells out.”
— Lt. Col Marianne 'LOB' Carlson, Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) and planner of aviation vision and strategy
“Project Eagle sets or looks to set conditions for how marine aviation can be resilient, sustainable, persistent and lethal across the range of military operations.”
— Lt. Col Marianne 'LOB' Carlson, Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) and planner of aviation vision and strategy
What’s next
The 2026 AVPLAN will guide the Marines' aviation modernization efforts over the next three Future Years Defense Programs, with a focus on developing next-generation platforms and capabilities.
The takeaway
The Marine Corps' 2026 Aviation Plan represents a strategic shift toward blending human warfighting expertise with emerging AI and data-driven technologies. This dual approach aims to enhance the service's readiness and lethality in the face of evolving threats, while also positioning Marine aviation for long-term modernization.
