Marine Corps Unveils 2026 Aviation Plan Integrating AI for Future Readiness
The U.S. Marine Corps has released its 2026 Aviation Plan (AVPLAN), which outlines a strategic vision to enhance readiness and address emerging threats through modernization and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The plan, described as a significant evolution from the previous year, focuses on developing capabilities critical to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force and leveraging AI to gain an advantage over adversaries. The AVPLAN introduces Project Eagle, a framework guiding Marine aviation towards a more survivable, distributed, and data-enabled force. This initiative is part of the broader service modernization efforts, aiming to translate operational requirements into long-term modernization. The plan is supported by five main lines of effort, including concepts, functions, transformation and innovation, resourcing, and roadmaps, to ensure the Marine Corps remains globally responsive while modernizing for future conflicts.