Advanced Military Aircraft Operations

A collection of images showcasing advanced military fighter jets like the F-35, F-22, and F-15, emphasizing their takeoff, landing, and preparation in various operational environments.

Military personnel near a F-15 Eagle, U.S. Air Force
Military personnel near a F-15 Eagle, U.S. Air Force
151 assets in this story
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A B-2 Spirit taxis out for Red Flag-Nellis 24-1 mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 16, 2024. Red Flag increases interoperability between partner nations and across the joint force as Airmen and Guardians train together against high-end, realistic scenarios.
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U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 495th Fighter Squadron, observe preflight checks during exercise Poseidons Rage 22 at Souda Air Base, Greece, July 11, 2022. PR22 is designed to bolster readiness and interoperability between the USAF and Hellenic Air Force, by demonstrating localized air superiority.
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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Zachary Powell, a fixed-wing aircraft mechanic assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 (VMFA-121) guides an F-35B Lightning II aircraft during field carrier landing practices (FCLP) at Ie Shima Island, Okinawa, Japan, April 7, 2022. The FCLP trains the F-35B pilots for proficiency and mission readiness when deployed aboard aircraft carriers.
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120627-O-GR159-001PATUXENT RIVER, Md. (June 27, 2012) Navy test pilot Lt. Christopher Tabert pilots the first external stores flight of the F-35C Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter test aircraft. The F-35C is distinct from the F-35A and F-35B variants with larger wing surfaces and reinforced landing gear for greater control when operating in the demanding carrier take-off and landing environment.
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030402-F-7194F-004. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: ACC
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A 325th Fighter Wing F-22 Raptor sits on the flightline as storm clouds approach July 21 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The fighter was used for the 43rd Fighter Generation Squadrons weapons load competition that same day. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)
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NAVAL AIR STATION LEMOORE, Calif. (Nov. 16, 2018) Two F-35C Lightning II aircraft attached to the Argonauts of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, stationed at Naval Air Station Lemoore, fly in formation for a photo exercise over the California desert. VFA-147 is the first U.S. Navy Operational F-35C squadron based out of NAS Lemoore. Commander, Joint Strike Fighter Wing, headquartered at Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif. ensures that each F-35C squadron is fully combat-ready to conduct carrier-based, all-weather, attack, fighter and support missions for Commander, Naval Air Forces. With its stealth technology, advanced sensors, weapons capacity and range, the F-35C will be the first 5th generation aircraft operated from an aircraft carrier.
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An MB4 tow tractor pulls an F-22 Raptor assigned to Elmendorf Air Force Base (AFB), Alaska to be refueled by a C-17 Globemaster III assigned to Charleston AFB, South Carolina at Nellis AFB, Nevada, Feb. 2, 2024. The ground refueling effort from aircraft-to-aircraft is part of the larger Agile Combat Employment (ACE) initiative. ACE enables U.S. forces to operate from locations with varying levels of capacity and support. Air Force
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A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 prepares for flight operations at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia, Aug. 15, 2022. Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 12 are conducting unit level training in Australia to maintain readiness, test expeditionary capabilities, and increase interoperability with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific.
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A U.S. Marine Corps ordnance technician assigned to the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 225 marshals an F-35B Lightning II during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 3, 2022. RF-A is a premier training event for joint units to bolster interoperability while simultaneously honing combat skills to provide joint forces the opportunity to exercise combat capabilities through shared tactics, techniques, and procedures under a simulated war-time environment.
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A U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II from the 52nd Fighter Squadron and an F-15E Strike Eagle from the 414th Fighter Group fly alongside a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 197th Air Refueling Squadron during a training mission above Arizona, Aug. 6, 2022. The 161st Air Refueling Wing out of the Goldwater Air National Guard Base, conducts refueling missions with regional partners regularly to help ensure mission readiness.
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A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor pilot assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron conducts pre-flight inspections, Oct. 17, 2022 at Leeuwarden Air Base, Netherlands. The 90th EFS conducted agile combat employment (ACE) and integrated with Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs and U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing in RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom. Continued collaboration and integration on ACE alongside our RNLAF counterparts and other NATO Allies improves the resilience and survivability of coalition airpower.
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An F-22 Raptor assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron takes off during Black Flag 22-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, May 10, 2022. Black Flag 22-1 investigates electronic warfare techniques and programming to accelerate joint electronic warfare efforts.
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U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Ryston Archuleta, 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron crew chief, walks away from an F-22 Raptor as it taxis for take-off from Ørland Main Air Station, Norway, Sept. 14, 2022. The 90 EFS forward deployed to Norway to conduct an agile combat employment (ACE) exercise with the Royal Norwegian Air Force and NATO Allies and partners. The joint training and integration provided in this ACE exercise improves the resilience and survivability of coalition airpower.
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A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 taxis the flight line in support of exercise Keen Sword 2023, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 15, 2022. Keen Sword is a biennial exercise designed to enhance Japan-U.S. readiness, interoperability, and bilateral relations while demonstrating U.S. resolve to support the security interests of allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
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Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to Number 75 Squadron, taxi at RAAF Base Tindal, Australia, Aug. 19, 2022.Exercise Pitch Black is the Royal Australian Air Forces largest and most complex Large Force Employment exercise. Pitch Black 2022 is being conducted at RAAF Bases Darwin, Tindal, and Amberley from 19 August to 8 September 22. This Years exercise will host up to 2500 personnel and around 100 aircraft from 17 participating nations from around the globe.Activities such as Exercise Pitch Black recognize Australias strong relationships and the high value we place on regional security and fostering closer ties throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Exercise Pitch Black features a range of realistic, simulated threats which can be found in a modern battle-space environment and is an opportunity to test and improve our force integration utilizing one of the largest training airspace areas in the world. Exercise Pitch Black aims to further develop offensive cou
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ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 21, 2013) An X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstrator conducts a touch and go landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). The aircraft, nicknamed Salty Dog 501, made its debut aboard George H.W. Bush with seven touch and go landings. George H.W. Bush is conducting training operations in the Atlantic Ocean.
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A Hawaii Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker flies in formation with U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II from the 65th Aggressor Squadron during exercise PACIFIC EDGE 23 December 7, 2022, near the coast of Oahu, Hawaii. The U.S. Air Force routinely trains alongside allied partners, such as the RAAF, and is postured respond to crises and contingencies throughout the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
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An F-117A aircraft from the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing (37th TFW) sits inside a hangar during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)
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United States Military Aircraft
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PHILIPPINE SEA (May 4, 2022) An F-35C Lightning II, assigned to the "Black Knights" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
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Maintenance Airmen with the 8th Fighter Wing perform pre-flight checks on an F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 80th Fighter Squadron at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 22, 2022. The 80th FS is one of two fighter squadrons assigned to the 8th FW who promote a free and open Indo-Pacific theater.
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U.S. Air Force maintainers from the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron stand-by as F-22 Raptors prepare for take-off at Łask Air Base, Poland, Sept. 3, 2022. The 90th EFS forward deployed to support NATOs Air Shielding mission.
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A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 60th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, taxis at Burlington Air National Guard Base, Vermont, July 12, 2022. The 33rd FW utilized the Vermont ANG air space to continue effective flying operations during hazardous summer weather in Florida.
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A 37th Tactical Fighter Wing F-117 aircraft stands in Hangar 3. The aircraft is part of a display which also includes the B-2 bomber aircraft, F-22 tactical fighter aircraft and the advanced cruise missile. The exhibit has been assembled to provide members of Congress with an opportunity to view examples of stealth or "low observable" technology.. Base: George Air Force Base State: California(CA) Country: United States Of America(USA)
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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Teagan McArthur, 154th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, waits to launch an F-22 Raptor at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Northern Territory, Australia, Aug. 30, 2022. Pacific Air Forces Airmen and aircraft operate throughout the Indo-Pacific to help maintain an international rules-based order.
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A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 43d Fighter Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, receives fuel from a KC-10 Extender over the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, Aug. 16, 2022. In order for student pilots to successfully graduate the F-22 Raptor basic course, students must demonstrate proficiency in 380 hours of academic instruction, 45 simulator missions, day and night time air-to-air refueling and more over the course of eight months.
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A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 225, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, lands on the flight deck aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) as part of the U.S. Marine Corps lightning carrier concept demonstration off the coast of Southern California, April 3, 2022. The lightning carrier concept demonstration shows Tripoli and other amphibious assault ships are capable of operating as dedicated fixed-wing platforms when needed, capable of bringing fifth generation short takeoff/vertical landing aircraft wherever they are required. This was the first time maximum capacity F-35B Lightning II aircraft were tested for operation aboard a landing helicopter assault (LHA) amphibious assault ship.
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A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II from the 58th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, takes off for a training mission during Northern Lightning at Volk Field Air National Guard Base, Wisconsin, Aug. 15, 2022. Volk Field offers open airspace with optimal weather conditions for flying, allowing the 33rd FW to avoid over 60% of seasonal lightning and hurricane delays in Florida.
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F-16 fighter jets from the South Carolina Air National Guards 169th Fighter Wing began their move back to McEntire Joint National Guard Base, Feb. 4, 2023. The F-16s have been temporarily operating from Columbia Metropolitan Airport in West Columbia, South Carolina, since April 2022, due to major runway renovations at McEntire JNGB.
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Pilots with the 60th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing, take off from Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, to conduct a flyover at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida, Sept. 25, 2022. Flyovers allow pilots to further their tactical expertise and serve as a recruiting tool to influence the newest generations of U.S. Airmen.
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A U.S. Airman assigned to the 354th Air Expeditionary Wing marshals an F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft assigned to the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 4, 2022. The 354th AEW and 356th EFS deployed 18 F-35As along with pilots and support personnel to MCAS Iwakuni to train on agile combat employment tactics, techniques and procedures.
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U.S. Air Force maintainers assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron conduct pre-flight inspections on an F-22 Raptor, Oct. 17, 2022 at Leeuwarden Air Base, Netherlands. The 90th EFS conducted agile combat employment (ACE) and integrated with Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs and U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing in RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom. Continued collaboration and integration on ACE alongside our RNLAF counterparts and other NATO Allies improves the resilience and survivability of coalition airpower.
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The United States Womens National Volleyball Team visited the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at Łask Air Base, Poland to tour the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor and learn about the 90th EFS mission in Poland. The 90th EFS forward deployed in support of NATOs Air Shielding mission to enhance the defense posture on the eastern flank. The USAVWNT competed in the World Championship tournament in a nearby city to the base. Airmen from the 90th EFS and the USAVWNT had the opportunity to support each other during their time away from home.
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F-22 Raptor of the United States Air Force.
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An Airman from the Florida Air National Guard's 125th Fighter Wing, Detachment 1, marshalls an F-15 at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida in support of North American Aerospace Defense Command's (NORAD) Operation Noble Defender (OND), June 30, 2022. As a part of OND, which is a recurring operation, the Continental U.S. NORAD Region (CONR) coordinated and conducted joint operations with the U.S. Navy while concurrently launching jets from different locations across the United States' gulf coast and Puerto Rico. OND, is an integrated air and missile defense operation designed to ensure the defense and security of the northern and southern approaches to North America. This particular OND allowed NORAD units to exercise maneuvers designed to defend the southern approach to the United States from simulated cruise missile threats. NORAD is a bi-national Canadian and American command that employs a network of aerial, ground-based, and space-based sensors, air-to-air refueling tankers, and fi
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Two U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron conduct a two-ship formation during the NATO Air Shielding media day, Oct. 12, 2022 at Łask Air Base, Poland. The Raptors uphold the Air Shielding mission alongside Polish F-16s and Italian Eurofighter Typhoons. The event showcased the importance of NATOs Air Shielding mission and the interoperability among the U.S. and NATO Allies to international media through trilateral aerial demonstrations and interviews with service members. The U.S. remains dedicated to our security commitments with our NATO Alliance and postured to defend NATO territory.
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220906-N-TT639-1010 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sept. 6, 2022) - An F-35B Lighting II aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced) prepares to land aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) Sept. 6, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
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A U.S. Air Force maintainer from the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron prepares an F-22 Raptor for takeoff to forward deploy and integrate with the Royal Norwegian Air Force, Sept. 13, 2022. The 90th EFS forward deployed to Ørland Main Air Station, Norway to execute ACE alongside Allies and partners to enhance partner force interoperability and increase domain awareness and survivability in an ever-evolving threat environment.
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A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 495th Fighter Squadron, from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, sits on display at the Royal International Air Tattoo in Fairford, England, July 15, 2022. With almost 600 F-35s expected to be in service across more than 10 countries in Europe by the 2030s, the air combat capability and interoperability will significantly increase across the theater. (U.S. Air Force video by Staff Sgt. Gaspar Cortez)
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980315-F-4116M-001. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC
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U.S. Air Force security police stand at parade rest around a 37th Tactical Fighter Wing F-117A aircraft on display at the 1991 Paris Air Show. Two Paveway II laser-guided bombs are in front of the aircraft.. Base: Paris Country: France(FRA)
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The 187th Fighter Wing unveiled the new Alabama Air National Guards F-35 Lightning II fighter jet during an event at Montgomery, Ala., February 9, 2024. The 187th Fighter Wing traces its lineage to the Red Tails, with the F-35 being the 6th airplane the unit has flown. Air Force
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Long exposure photo of an MQ-9 Reaper on the 361 Expeditionary Attack Squadron flight line at an undisclosed location, August 6, 2022. The MQ-9 is an unmanned aircraft capable of remote controlled or autonomous flight. The 361 EAS operates them in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
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021022-F-4177H-001. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE
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Simulated live fire explodes behind a Blue Angles F/A-18 Super Hornet during the Joint Air-Ground Task Force Demonstration as part of the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 13, 2022. The air show provided an opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of a Joint Force in the Indo-Pacific Region. The Kaneohe Bay Air Show, which contained aerial performances, static displays, demonstrations and vendors, was designed to express MCBHs appreciation to the residents of Hawaii and their continued support of the installation.
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060707-N-1328C-227. Base: Nas/Jrb Fort Worth State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John Green, an F-35A Lightning II instructor pilot with the 58th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, prepares for a flight at Volk Field Air National Guard Base, Wisconsin, Aug. 10, 2022. Nomads with the 33rd FW traveled to Volk Field to participate in exercise Northern Lightning to enhance the Agile Combat Employment concept and help build combat-credible Airmen. (U.S. Air Force video by Airman 1st Class Leandra Garcia)