A comprehensive evaluation was conducted using several investigative techniques to understand the corrosion characteristics and underlying mechanisms of 2A97 Al–Li alloy exposed to a marine atmosphere. These techniques included salt-spray (3.5 wt.% NaCl and 0.1 wt.% Na2SO4) assaying, gravimetric assessment of corrosion loss, macro- and microscopic morphological evaluations, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis, and electrochemical assessments. The study findings showed a declining trend for the corrosion propensity of the 2A97 Al–Li alloy. The accumulated corrosion by-products predominantly comprised compounds such as Al2O3 and Al(OH)3, complemented by trace constituents such as Li2O, LiOH, Li2CO3, Al-based chlorides and sulphates, and elemental Cu. Notably, the Al2O3 present in the corrosion by-product stratum exhibited considerable compactness, thereby curtailing the permeation of corrosive ions. Concurrently, the stable Li2CO3 film exhibited excellent corrosion-inhibition properties. The cyclic dissolution and reprecipitation of elemental Cu bolstered the adhesive strength between the corrosion product layer and alloy substrate, further mitigating the corrosion kinetics of the foundational material.