IFC 2025: ‘Challenge' of maintaining Italian Navy Harrier II+ fleet may hasten its retirement

While the Harrier II+ (pictured) is due to remain in Italian Navy service until 2030, it may have to bring this date forward as the type becomes increasingly challenging to support. (MMI)

The Italian Navy (Marina Militare Italiana: MMI) may look to bring forward the retirement of its fleet of McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II+ combat aircraft, as the challenge of supporting them in their final years becomes too great.

Speaking at the IQPC International Fighter Conference (IFC) 2025 in Rome, an official speaking under the Chatham House Rule said the current intent to fly the Harrier II+ out to its planned 2030 retirement date may not be achievable as Italy becomes one of only two final operators of the type.

“[The MMI] is still hoping to carry on with the AV-8B, hopefully to 2030 but that is a real challenge. A more realistic date could be probably 2028 since the US Marine Corps (USMC) is going to stop flying in June 2026. So, it will be only Italy and Spain that remain as operators of the AV-8B,” the official said.

In total, the MMI received 16 single‐seat Harrier II+ aircraft from 1994 to 1997, of which 14 remain in service.

As noted by Janes World Navies, the MMIʼs Harriers are multirole aircraft and can conduct anti-surface warfare, reconnaissance, ground attack, and air-defence operations. The aircraft carry RTX AIM‐9L Sidewinders and RTX AIM‐120B Advanced Medium‐Range Air‐to‐Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) for air defence. For the attack role, the Harrier II+ aircraft can carry up to 5,000 kg of ordnance under nine pylons, including the AGM‐65F Maverick, precision-guided munitions (using the AN/AAQ‐28 Litening II targeting pod for designation), 70 mm rockets, and general purpose bombs.