He Harrier AV8B+ is one of the most emblematic fighters in the history of military aviation. Its unique ability to take off and land vertically or extremely short tracks makes it a strategic asset for the Spanish Navy, which operates it from the cover of the LHD Porta LHD Juan Carlos I.
This plane, which is part of the Ninth aircraft squadremains essential in both national and international maneuvers.
The Harrier entered the story through the big door after His crucial role in the Falklands War, in 1982. That intervention marked a before and after for these fighters, which also actively participated in conflicts such as those of the Balkans, the Gulf War, Afghanistan and Iraq.
Since then, the Harrier AV8B+ has been synonymous with versatility, resistance and efficiency In combat.
Harrier AV8B+, in full operational validity
Despite its long career, the Harrier is still operational in the Spanish Armed Forces. At the end of 2021, the then Chief of the General Staff of the Defense, Teodoro López Calderón, said that His substitution was not a decision taken and that the devices were still within their useful life.
Meanwhile, Spain values options to ensure relief without losing the unique capabilities offered by this aircraft.
Technical capacities and armament
The Harrier of the Navy are designed to fulfill a wide variety of missions. Equipped with Air-Aire and Aire-Earth missiles, 25 mm cannons, rockets and free drop-guided pumps or GPS, they are able to operate both day and night thanks to their advanced sensors and compatibility with night vision glasses.
In addition, they can be replenished in flight, which expands its autonomy until 10 am.
Outstanding characteristics:
Strategic paper in NATO
Recently, the Harrier have participated in International maneuvers as part of the multinational Battle Group In Romania. Since the Juan Carlos I Portaeronaves, these aircraft have executed close air support operations (Close Air Support) in real fire exercises.
During these missions, they launched MK-82 bombs, also known as “silly pumps”, which, despite their lack of guidance systems, remain highly effective for their simplicity and reliability.
The coordination with the JTAC (Joint Terminal Attack Controller) of the Marine Infantry allows a precise execution of these attacks, showing the importance of joint work between air and land forces.
The Harrier Av8b+combat plane: a myth that still flies
Although is found in the final stretch of your operational lifethe Harrier AV8B+ continues to be a symbol of the air deployment capacity embarked from Spain. His future is in debate, but his legacy is already secured.
His participation in the main conflicts of the last decades and his adaptability to multiple scenarios have made him a key piece of the history of Spanish military aviation.
Other countries that have these combat fighters
The Harrier AV-8B+ is not exclusive to the Spanish Navy. Throughout its history, this plane has been part of the armed forces of several countries that have valued its ability to Vertical take -off and landing (Vtol) and its operational versatility, especially from aircraft carrier or bases without conventional clues.
USA It was one of the main drivers of the development of the AV-8B Harrier II, operated by both the body of Marines and the Navy. Their missions included close air support, attack on terrestrial objectives and embarked operations. American Marines intensely used these fighters in Afghanistan, Iraq and other international missions until their withdrawal in 2021.
Italythrough its Marina Militare, it has also been an outstanding user of the Harrier AV-8B+. They were used from their Giuseppe Garibaldi carrier and, more recently, from Cavour. Although its number of units has been more limited than that of Spain or the US, its presence has been key in Mediterranean operations.
United Kingdom It was the country of origin of the original Harrier design. The Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy used different versions – from the Harrier gr.1 to the modern gr.9— for decades. They were removed in 2011 as part of a modernization process, although they left an operational legacy that continues to inspire the development of short and vertical take-off aircraft, such as the F-35B.
India He also incorporated the Harrier be Harrier Frs They participated in various air patrol operations and maritime defense. India officially withdrew his Sea Harrier in 2016, progressively replacing them with more modern airplanes.
ThailandFinally, he acquired some AV-8S Matador-Spanish Harrier Version-secondly to Spain in the 90s, to operate from its HTMS Chakri Naruebet. Although they are currently no operational, they demonstrated the versatility of these fighters even in less dimension air forces.