AV-8B Harrier II

Conflict Usage

Operation Inherent Resolve

Side: U.S.-led coalition and partner forcesRole: Expeditionary strike aircraftstrikeclose air support

Operation Inherent Resolve: used by VMA-211 Harrier crews in combat operations against ISIL in Iraq and Syria from October 2014 to March 2015.

U.S. Campaign Against ISIS in Libya

Side: United States and Libyan Government of National AccordRole: Ship-based strike aircraftstrikeclose air support

U.S. Campaign Against ISIS in Libya: used by the 22nd MEU on USS Wasp for precision air strikes against Daesh targets in Sirte during Operation Odyssey Lightning.

War in Afghanistan

Side: United States and Afghan government forcesRole: Expeditionary air supportclose air supportstrike

War in Afghanistan: used by 22nd MEU AV-8B Harrier II pilots in 2018 while supporting Operation Freedom Sentinel from Al Dhafra to support the Afghan National Army through the U.S. coalition in Afghanistan.

AV-8B Harrier II Images

Related Weapon Systems

Aircraft & UAVsAC-130 gunshipHeavily armed fixed-wing gunshipThe AC-130 gunship is a side-firing U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command attack aircraft family derived from the C-130 Hercules. Modern AC-130U, AC-130W, and AC-130J variants combine sensors, fire-control systems, cannon armament, and precision-guided munitions for close air support, armed reconnaissance, air interdiction, and overwatch, roles documented in Afghanistan during Operation Freedom's Sentinel, Resolute Support, and the Kabul evacuation.

Aircraft & UAVsAH-64 Apache attack helicopterTwin-engine attack helicopterThe AH-64 Apache is a U.S. twin-engine attack helicopter built for armed reconnaissance, close combat, and precision attack missions with a 30 mm chain gun, rockets, and Hellfire missiles. Its recent combat record includes U.S. operations against Iran and documented use by U.S., Israeli, Egyptian, and coalition forces in Afghanistan, Sinai, Lebanon, and Yemen for escort, overwatch, and strike support.

Aircraft & UAVsA-10 Thunderbolt IIClose air support attack aircraftThe A-10 Thunderbolt II is a U.S. single-seat, twin-engine attack aircraft built around close air support, austere operations, survivability, and the 30 mm GAU-8/A cannon. U.S. military sources document A-10C use in Operation Inherent Resolve against ISIS and in Afghanistan during Operation Freedom's Sentinel, where its loiter time, precision weapons, and cannon gave commanders a dedicated low-altitude support platform.

Aircraft & UAVsB-1B LancerLong-range, multi-role supersonic bomberThe B-1B Lancer is the U.S. Air Force's long-range, supersonic conventional bomber, built to deliver large payloads of guided and unguided weapons against distant, heavily defended targets. Recent open-source reporting ties the aircraft to Operation Inherent Resolve strikes, Afghan Taliban-target attacks, a U.S. show-of-force flight near Venezuela, and 2026 strikes deep inside Iran during the Israel-Iran Conflict.

Aircraft & UAVsAH-64A Peten attack helicopterAttack helicopterThe AH-64A Peten is the Israeli Air Force's Apache attack helicopter, a twin-seat strike platform built around the Apache airframe and used for close support and precision attacks. During the Israel-Hamas War, 190 Squadron Peten crews were part of the October 7 response missions, showing the older AH-64A remained in active combat use.

Aircraft & UAVsFA-50PHSupersonic light combat aircraftThe FA-50PH is the Philippine Air Force variant of KAI's FA-50 light combat aircraft, a South Korean supersonic jet derived from the T-50 trainer. During the Battle of Marawi, Philippine government forces used FA-50 jets for urban airstrikes and close air support against IS-aligned militants, including missions later scrutinized after a July 2017 friendly-fire incident.

Sources