← Military & Defence

Air Show Performances by Military Jets

Dynamic images of U.S. Air Force and Navy demonstration teams performing aerial maneuvers at airshows, emphasizing precision flying and public engagement.

Five Blue Angels F/A-18 Hornets are flying over Lake Washington for the Seafair weekend in Seattle in Washington State, USA.

Alpha Jets of the Patrouille de France in action during the Dubai Air Show, United Arab Emirates, Middle East, Asia

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform during the Fairchild Skyfest 2022 at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, May 15, 2022. Fairchild Skyfest 2022 included the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, one of the Air Forces premier demonstration teams showcasing the capabilities of the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

An air-to-air view of a A-4F Skyhawk aircraft assigned to the Blue Angels flight demonstration team in a six-ship delta formation. Country: Unknown

Tora Tora Tora performs during the Red River Thunder Airshow at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Oct. 1, 2022. This act was the finale at the airshow.

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform a stunt as part of the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 13th, 2022. As the U.S. Navys Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels is comprised of several F/A-18 Super Hornets and one C-130J Hercules who perform aerobatics around the United States. The Kaneohe Bir Show, which contained aerial performances, static displays, demonstrations and vendors, was to express MCBHs appreciation to the residents of Hawaii and their continued support of the installation.

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform maneuvers during The Great Texas Airshow, Apr. 22, 2022, at JBSA-Randolph, Texas. The Great Texas Airshow, featuring the Thunderbirds, is scheduled for April 23 thru 24 at JBSA-Randolph. The Thunderbirds perform for people all around the world to display the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents. Through air shows and flyovers, they aim to excite and inspire. In addition to showcasing the elite skills all pilots must possess, the Thunderbirds demonstrate the incredible capabilities of the Air Force's premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

U.S. Navy Blue Angel F/A-18 Super Hornets perform aerial stunts at the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 12, 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.

The Red Bull Air Force Team conducts an aerial demonstration during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The Red Bull Air Force Team is comprised of accomplished and experienced aviation experts who specialize in highly-coordinated aerial jump demonstrations. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

The U.S. Army Parachute Team, nicknamed the Golden Knights, and U.S. Navy Parachute Team, nicknamed the Leap Frogs, conduct an aerial demonstration at the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform for the Fairchild Skyfest Air Show at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, May 15, 2022. The Thunderbirds represent the pride, precision, and professionalism of nearly 700,000 total force American Airmen around the globe.

The U.S. Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels, perform flight demonstrations in F/A-18 Super Hornets as part of the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 14, 2022. The air show provided an opportunity for MCBH to foster positive relationships with the local community, while providing a unique experience to the public. 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.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform for the Airshow London Skydrive in London, Ontario, September, 9, 2022. This was the Thunderbirds second performance in Canada for the 2022 season.

A KSK skydiver with smoking bombs, parachute open, German special forces

Three T-6 Texans fly over during The Doolittle Raiders 80th Anniversary ceremony, April 18, 2022 at Okaloosa Island. More than 14 aircraft including the B-25 medium bombers, which participated in the Doolittle Raid, conducted an aerial review over Okaloosa Island, Florida following a formal ceremony honoring participants of the air operation.

The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, demonstrate choreographed flight skills in F/A-18 aircraft during the 2012 Kaneohe Bay Air Show on Marine Corps Air Station, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, Sept. 28, 2012. Thousands of visitors flocked to the air show, Sept. 29 and 30, to witness stunning performances by the Blue Angels and a variety of other military and civilian aircraft. Service members enjoyed a military appreciation day during the events Sept. 28 rehearsal. The free event was open to the public and celebrated the centennial of Marine Corps aviation.

LEEUWARDEN, THE NETHERLANDS - JUNE 10, 2016: Turkish Air Force Demonstration Team Turkish Stars at the Royal Netherlands Air Force Days

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" pilots perform during Montana's Military Open House "Flight over the Falls" at Montana Air National Guard Base, Great Falls, Montana, July 23, 2022. The Thunderbirds are the U.S. Air Force's premier air demonstration squadron.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" perform a series of demonstrations during the Fort Lauderdale Airshow April 29 - May 1, 2022, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This was the teams first beach show of the season.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" perform a high show demonstration during the Sun n Fun airshow April 9, 2022, in Lakeland, Florida. This was the teams first civilian airshow of the season.

Fighter pilots performing aerial stuns at Seafair 2024

Point Mugu, Cailf. (Mar. 18, 2023) The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, and by the U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, co-headline the 2023 Point Mugu Air Show March 18-19, at Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC), Point Mugu.

German Army NH90 helicopter releasing flares, Ostrava, Czech Republic.

Two U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds,” F-16 Fighting Falcons perform an aerial maneuver May 6, 2022, at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. This year the Thunderbirds will debut their redesigned aerial performance and updated ground show performance.

061026-N-1550W-003. Base: Naval Station, Jacksonville State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

061013-N-9500T-005. Base: Marine Corps Air Station,Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220919-N-EL850-1142 ADRIATIC SEA (Sept. 19, 2022) Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 performs a flyover of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) during combined operations with the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) and the Orizzonte-class destroyer ITS Caio Duilio (D 554) in the Adriatic Sea, Sept. 19, 2022. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 is the offensive air and strike component of Carrier Strike Group 10, George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWBCSG). The squadrons of CVW-7 are, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86, VFA-103, VFA-136, VFA-143 Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46. The GHWBCSG is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

Two T-34 Mentors fly over during The Doolittle Raiders 80th Anniversary ceremony, April 18, 2022 at Okaloosa Island. On May 23, 2014, President Barack Obama signed Public Law 113-106 awarding the Congressional Gold Medal - the highest civilian recognition Congress can bestow - to the 80 members of the Doolittle Tokyo Raid in recognition of their service.

120519-N-MG658-436 JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. (May 19, 2012) The U.S. Navy fight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, demonstrate choreographed flight skills during the annual Joint Service Open House.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform for the Fairchild Skyfest Air Show at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, May 15, 2022. The Thunderbirds represent the pride, precision, and professionalism of nearly 700,000 total force American Airmen around the globe.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the "Thunderbirds", perform at the 2022 Sun N' Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, April 10, 2022. Sun N' Fun was the Thunderbirds' third show of the season and first civillian show of the year.

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform aerial maneuvers during the 2022 Marine Corps Air StationMiramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 23, 2022. The Blue Angels,formed in 1946, perform precision flight demonstrations in more than 70 shows at 34 locationsthroughout the United States each year. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show,Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts toprepare for future conflicts.

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform aerial maneuvers during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 23, 2022. The Blue Angels, formed in 1946, perform precision flight demonstrations in more than 70 shows at 34 locations throughout the United States each year. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

The United States Navy Blue Angels perform at the Naval Air Station Oceana Air Show. The NAS Oceana Air Show is an opportunity for the Navy to show the past, present, and future of naval aviation.

DN-SN-89-04638. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER Country: Philippines (PHL)

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the "Thunderbirds", perform at the 2022 Sun N' Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, April 10, 2022. Sun N' Fun was the Thunderbirds' third show of the season and first civillian show of the year.

The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, Blue Angels, fly by the crowd at the Titans of Flight Air Expo, Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, April 9, 2022. The airshow pays tribute to air power from the earliest U.S. military inventory to modern day aircraft.

During a C-5 Galaxy airdrop test a formation of six Air Mobility Command C-5s fly over the drop zone on Fort Bragg near Pope AFB, North Carolina. Country: Unknown

CHESTERFIELD, Mo. (June 11, 2022) The U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, perform at the Spirit of St. Louis Airshow, June 11, 2022. The Blue Angels appearance marks the St. Louis-made F/A-18 Super Hornet making its debut and return to the area.

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, perform during the Joint Base Andrews 2022 Air & Space Expo at JBA, Md., Sept. 17, 2022. Airshows provide an opportunity for people to see U.S. military air capabilities in action and meet the service members who fly and maintain the equipment.

The U.S. Army Parachute Team, nicknamed the Golden Knights, conducts an aerial demonstration at the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, California, Sept. 23, 2022. They performed along with the U.S. Navy Parachute Team, nicknamed the Leap Frogs, during the demonstration. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

An air-to-air view of aircraft from the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV-66) as they fly over ships assigned to the AMERICA Task Group. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

The Canadian Forces 431 Air Demonstration squadron flying in the Big Diamond formation at an air show over the Nanaimo harbour on Vancouver Island Bri...

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform aerial maneuvers during the 2022 Marine Corps Air StationMiramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 23, 2022. The Blue Angels,formed in 1946, perform precision flight demonstrations in more than 70 shows at 34 locationsthroughout the United States each year. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show,Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts toprepare for future conflicts.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform for the Airshow London Skydrive in London, Ontario, September, 9, 2022. This was the Thunderbirds second performance in Canada for the 2022 season.

An aerobatic team passes over the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea (CV-43) during the ship's decommissioning ceremony. The Coral Sea is being decommissioned after nearly 43 years of service. Base: Naval Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220918-N-AV609-1602 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Sept. 18, 2022) The United States Navy Blue Angels perform at the Naval Air Station Oceana Air Show. The NAS Oceana Air Show is an opportunity for the Navy to show the past, present, and future of naval aviation.

PENSACOLA, Fla. (July 16, 2016) U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels Diamond formation soars over the crowd at the Pensacola Beach Air Show. The Blue Angels are scheduled to perform 58 demonstrations at 30 locations across the U.S. in 2016.

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform aerial maneuvers during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 23, 2022. The Blue Angels, formed in 1946, perform precision flight demonstrations in more than 70 shows at 34 locations throughout the United States each year. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, performed for Aviation Nation Nov. 3, 2022, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. The Thunderbirds have been based out of Nellis since 1955.

A member of the local community takes a picture of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds as the preform their aerial demonstration Sep 25, 2022, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. An airshow, also known as an open house, is a way for military members and installations to show appreciation to local communities as well as showcase Department of Defense and Air Force capabilities.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, soared above the Thunder Over Dover air show at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, May 20, 2022. The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, flew their demonstration earlier in the day, marking the first time this season that both teams performed a joint show.

040514-N-0295M-012. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" perform a series of demonstrations during the Fort Lauderdale Airshow April 29 - May 1, 2022, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This was the teams first beach show of the season.

120603-N-YC845-197VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (June 3, 2012) The U.S. Navy fight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, demonstrate choreographed flight skills during the Virginia Beach Patriotic Festival.

120519-N-MG658-604 JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. (May 19, 2012) The U.S. Navy fight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, demonstrate choreographed flight skills during the annual Joint Service Open House.

Aerobatic squadron Frecce Tricolori, Airpower airshow in Zeltweg, Styria, Austria, Europe

JACKSONVILLE, FL. (Oct. 21, 2022)F/A-18 Super Hornets from the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, perform an aerial demonstration during the Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville Airshow. The show celebrated the Blue Angels heritage, which traces back to 1946 at the squadrons birthplace of NAS Jacksonville. The show also featured aerial performances by other military and civilian flight teams, live entertainment, and the opportunity to see military aircraft and vehicles and the U.S. Special Operations Command Parachute Team.

The Blue Angels are currently conducting winter training at Naval Air Facility (NAF) El Centro, California, in preparation for the upcoming 2024 air show season. Navy

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, performed for Aviation Nation Nov. 6, 2022, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. The Thunderbirds have been based out of Nellis since 1955.

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" pilots perform during Montanas Military Open House Flight over the Falls at Montana Air National Guard Base, Great Falls, Montana, July 23, 2022. The Thunderbirds are the U.S. Air Force's premier air demonstration squadron.

F-14A Tomcat aircraft of Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17) conduct a flyover upon arrival at the air station. Personnel from CVW-3 and CVW-17 are returning home after serving in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Italian Air Force aerobatic unit Frecce Tricolori (Tricolor Arrows) fly over Rome to mark Republic Day on June 2, 2021..

DN-ST-87-07219. Base: Annapolis State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

120712-N-BA418-114PENSACOLA, Fla. (July 12, 2012) Marine Capt. Brandon Cordill, Blue Angel left wingman, flies an F/A-18 Hornet during a practice flight demonstration over Pensacola Beach. The Blue Angels 2012 performances are in celebration of the centennial of naval aviation and commemoration of the bicentennial of the War of 1812.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Team Thunderbirds perform over Navy Air Facility El Centro, California, during winter training, February 28, 2024. This training trip marks the completion of the Thunderbirds 4th winter training season. Air Force

The crowd watches as TheUnited States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds performduring the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 31, 2022. This biennial event hosted by JBER is one of the largest in the state and one of the premier aerial demonstrations in the world. The event features multiple performers to include the JBER Joint Forces Demonstration Team, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, Pacific Air Forces C-17 Demonstration Team and U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team.

Air National Guard C-130, MAFFS 9, out of Reno, Nev. drops retardant on the Beckwourth Complex Fire July 9, 2021 near Frenchman Lake in N. California. In addition to other resources, three Air National Guard C-130s--two from Nevada and one from California will assist in battling the Beckwourth Complex Fire in Northern California. The DoD, through the commander, U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), provides support to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) in conducting wildland fire fighting operations as requested. First Air Force (Air Forces Northern), U.S. Northern Commands Air Component Command, is the DoDs operational lead for the aerial military efforts.

of 2