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F-16 Fighter Jets in Action

High-performance F-16 fighter jets captured during various maneuvers. Images showcase military aircraft in different environments and tasks.

Romanian Air Force F-16B.

A Hellenic Air Force F-16 taxiing at Trapani Air Base, Italy.

041016-F-2171A-002. State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Hellenic Air Force F-16C Block 50 taking off from Andravida, Greece.

An F-16A Flight Falcon fighter aircraft from the Air National Guard's 174th Tactical Fighter Wing, Hancock Field, N.Y., armed with Mark 84 2,000-pound bombs, stand ready for a mission at the start of Operation Desert Storm.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Saudi Arabia(SAU)

F-16C of the Colorado Air National Guard.

Hellenic Air Force F-16C Block 52 landing at Andravida Air Base, Greece.

Romanian Air Force F-16B.

A U.S. Air Force F-16CJ Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, taxis after landing on Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, July 26, 2022. The 378th Expeditionary Operation Support Squadrons Airfield Management flight is responsible for checking the airfield for discrepancies thatd prevent aircraft from efficiently arriving and departing safely and effectively from PSAB.

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon flying over Brazil.

A U.S. Air Force crew chief with the 169th Fighter Wing, performs a preflight inspection on an F-16 Fighting Falcon during exercise Sentry Savannah May 6, 2022, on the flightline at the Air Dominance Center in Savannah Georgia. Exercises like Sentry Savannah held at the Air Dominance Center not only train and test the counter air capabilities of the next generation of fighter pilots, but they also provide critical experience and training to 10 different units of maintenance Airmen in the rapid employment and recovery of aircraft.

The first of two U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles, arrives to participate in Agile Combat Employment exercise Agile Tuskegee” July 12, 2022, at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. The exercise allowed 14 Airmen, assigned to the 380th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron’s Petroleum, Oils and Lubricants section, the ability to train on hot pit” refueling operations.

A Ninth Air Force (AFCENT) member initiates hot-pit refueling operations on a F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing out of Royal Air Force Base Lakenheath, United Kingdom July 15, 2022. Two U.S. Air Force F-15Es conducted the flight from Souda Bay, Greece to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in an effort to exercise cross-combatant command Agile Combat Employment operations. AFCENT members led the hot-pit refueling, an ACE technique which cuts refueling time by hours, allowing AFCENT and incoming partner aircrews to generate multiple consecutive sorties from the same aircraft as well as increase airpower staging options in theater.

A Royal Jordanian Air Force F-16AM aircraft landing at Konya Air Base, Turkey.

A Polish Air Force F-16 taxiing at Trapani Air Base, Italy.

020130-F-3886C-028. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

Two U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots from the 510th Fighter Squadron prepare for flight during Red Flag 24-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan 22, 2024. Red Flag Nellis trained Airmen on strategy, force design and adversary warfighting for the purpose of building a force that will reduce Air Force vulnerabilities, capitalize on strengths and exploit adversaries weaknesses.

An air-to-air overhead view of a 363rd Tactical Fighter Wing F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft during Operation Desert Storm. The aircraft is armed with cluster bombs.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

Royal Singapore Air Force F-16 Block52.

010726-F-9032T-006. Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

A Hellenic Air Force F-16 taking off.

A head-on view of a United States Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet at Kuantan Air Base, Malaysia, showing an open canopy.

011018-F-6655M-006. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

U.S. Air Force F-16CM taking off from Amendola Air Base, Italy.

April 16, 2005 - F/A-18A Hornets, assigned to the U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, taxi back to their flight line after performing before the crowd at the 2005 Coastal Carolina Air Show in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Turkish Air Force F-16C/D aircraft taxiing on the runway.

United States Air Force F-16 during exercise Cruzex 2018, Brazil.

An F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to Aviano Air Base, Italy, takes off for Red Flag-Nellis 24-1 mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 16, 2024. These exercises build partnerships and interoperability among our allies and across domains. This Red Flag will provide more complex realistic scenarios concentrated on warfighting in the Indo-Pacific theater.

020520-F-6911G-004. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon sits on the flightline of the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, in the early morning hours, during a large-scale readiness inspection, Aug. 8, 2022, at the base in Swanton, Ohio. The exercise was a full-scale assessment of the rapid generation and movement of personnel and equipment, utilizing a 24-hour operation concept. The wing was evaluated on its ability to pack, prepare and deploy mission-ready personnel, aircraft and support equipment, while operating in a contested and degraded environment.

030409-F-7709A-003. Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

041118-F-1740G-013. Base: Hyakuri Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

F-15 aircraft from the Louisiana Air National Guard are parked on the flightline at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Ala., Sept. 30, 2022. The aircraft were scheduled to do flyovers for an Ole Miss football game and the Talladega Superspeedway on Oct. 01 and Oct. 02. (US Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Jeremy Farson)

A U.S. Air Forces in Europe F-15E Strike Eagle taking off from Andravida, Greece.

US Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier during a combat operation over the Al Anbar Province, Iraq

An F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 17th Weapons Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, takes off for a U.S. Air Force Weapons School Integration exercise at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Dec. 5, 2022. The F-15E Strike Eagle is a dual-role fighter designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Michael Ortolani, a crew chief, administers multi-capable Airman training to Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Bollock, a logistition, at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility for the joint Ballast Cannon exercise, Jan. 7, 2024. Exercise Ballast Cannon occurs nearly quarterly with the Royal Bahraini Air Force to support the U.S. Air Forces rapid expeditionary capabilities by integrating Agile Combat Employment objectives for F-16 Fighting Falcon, KC-135 Stratotanker, and operational support personnel. Through decades of collaboration and cooperation, the U.S. and regional allies and partners have developed critical relationships to maintain enduring institutions and networks necessary to remail agile and effective in combined joint operations.

An Italian Air Force AMX during an air-to-air refueling operation.

F-16D from the Hellenic Air Force armed with AGM-88 HARM missile.

Italian Air Force EF-2000 Typhoon.

A German Air Force Luftwaffe McDonnell F-4 Phantom II holds formation over a mountain background

040720-F-3488S-100. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 389th Fighter Squadron (FS) fly an F-15E Strike Eagle at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Sep. 29, 2022. The 389th FS deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

A U.S. Air Force Block 50 F-16CM Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 179th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, taxis to the runway at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, June 20, 2022. The 179th EFS projects combat airpower across AFCENTs area of responsibility, supporting personnel, improving force movement, and showing U.S. and partner nations resolve in the region.

F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing, Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, conducted a bilateral exercise with Republic of Korea Air Force 7 June, 2022 to demonstrate the ability of the combined US-ROK forces to respond quickly to crisis events. The ROK-U.S. Alliance remains committed to peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and throughout the Indo-Pacific. The U.S. commitment to the defense of the ROK remains ironclad.

A right side view of a Strike Fighter Squadron 113 (VFA-113) F/A-18A Hornet aircraft preparing for takeoff. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Luftwaffe Tornado IDS of Jagdbombergeschwader 33 over northern Germany during fueling training with a KC-135R of the 100th ARW, United States Air Force Europe. This aircraft still wears the camouflage colors of the German Marineflieger.

On final approach to landing a German Air Force Mig-29 Fulcrum returns from Red Flag exercise mission with ordnance Nellis AFB NV

DF-ST-87-00822. Base: Homestead Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Lt. Col. Michael May, an F-16 Fighting Falcon Test Pilot with the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, preforms some final checks before take off at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, July 19, 2020. The F-16 can locate targets in all weather conditions and detect low flying aircraft in radar ground clutter. .

F-16C Fighting Falcon of the U.S. Air Force, Fairford, England, United Kingdom.

A F-16C of the Hellenic Air Force comes in for landing.

061204-N-8591H-346. Base: Philippine Sea

A close-up of an F-18 aircraft from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 101 (VMFAT-101). This one and many other fighters have been evacuated from east coast air bases during Hurricane Fran. Base: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base State: Ohio (OH) Country: United States Of America (USA)

September 2, 2010 - Mirage 2000C of the French Air Force off the Normandy coast in France during dissimilar air combat training with the French Navy.

A U.S. Air Force F-16C on a Red Flag mission in Nevada.

020208-F-1631A-003. Base: Zaragosa Air Base Country: Spain (ESP) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

120710-N-WD757-208ARABIAN SEA (July 10, 2012) An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Blue Blasters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 34 launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Lincoln is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron flies alongside a McConnell 22nd Air Refueling Wing KC-46A Pegasus Aug. 29, 2022, in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. McConnell air refuelers and Airmen are deployed to area for an Air Mobility Command Employment Concept Exercise 22-08.

A Royal Dutch Air Force F-16A Fighting Falcon.

A Fighter Squadron 103 (VF-103) F-14B Tomcat aircraft loaded with two inert Mark 84 practice bombs taxis to the runway as it heads out on a training mission. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members of the South Korean air force inspect their F-16D Fighting Falcon prior to launch at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 4, 2015. The South Korean air force is participating in RF-A 15-3, a Pacific Air Forces field training exercise for U.S. and partner nation forces, providing combined offensive counter-air, interdiction, close air support and large force employment training in a simulated combat environment.

Atlantic Ocean, November 20, 2005 - An F/A-18C Hornet launches from the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise.

A U.S. Air Force F-16C fighter jet prepares to touch down at Leeuwarden Air Base, The Netherlands.

June 7, 2010 - Lufwaffe F-4F of Jagdgeschwader 71 Richthofen based at Wittmund Air Base, prepares for refueling from a Royal Netherlands Air Force KDC10 tanker over northern Germany.

F-16's wait to launch during the 1996 Phase I Operations Readiness Inspection. Base: Moody Air Force Base State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220804-N-CR843-0142MISAWA, Japan (Aug. 04, 2022) Two EA-18G Growlers assigned to the Star Warriors of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 209 conduct intercept training with a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft assigned to the Fighting Tigers of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8 over the Pacific Ocean off the coast of northern Japan. VP-8 is currently deployed to NAF Misawa, Japan conducting maritime patrol and reconnaissance and theater outreach operations within U.S. 7th Fleet (C7F) area of operations in support of Commander, Task Force 72, C7F, and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command objectives throughout the region.

U.S. Air Forces in Europe F-15C Eagle at Albacete Air Base, Spain.

A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet assigned to Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, taxis during Checkered Flag 23-1 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Nov. 2, 2022. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th and 5th-generation aircraft during air-to-air combat training. The 23-1 iteration of the exercise was held Oct. 31 - Nov. 10, 2022.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-22 Raptor prepare to taxi at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 12, 2022. The aircraft flew a training sortie to support the 43d Fighter Squadrons basic training course capstone which tests the skills F-22 student pilots have learned in a simulated combat environment.

U.S. Air Forces in Europe F-15C Eagle at Albacete Air Base, Spain.

A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2, Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, taxis on the flight line during Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 22.12 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 12, 2022. WSEP-E 22.12 is a formal, two-week evaluation exercise designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

US Air Force STAFF Sergeant Ben Schroeder from the 494th Fighter Squadron, 48th Fighter Wing, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, supervises US Air Force AIRMAN First Class Craig Oberschlake also from the 494th FS, 48th FW, RAF, Lakenheath, England, during a hot pit refuel. A hot pit is a place where an aircraft can be refueled with the engine running. Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

020410-F-6911G-006. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

U.S. Air Force Capt. William Studley, a student pilot assigned to the 149th Fighter Wing, Air National Guard, conducts preflight checks prior to launch during Coronet Cactus, April 4, 2023, at Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. The annual training event deploys members of the 149th Fighter Wing, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, to another environment in order to familiarize them with accomplishing mission objectives in an unfamiliar location.

Safe Skies 2011 is a military-to-military exchange between the US, Ukraine and Poland to enhance airspace security over the Ukraine and Poland in preparation for Eurocup 2012.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 24th Fighter Wing, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Forth Worth, Texas, flies during Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 23.01 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Oct. 12, 2022. WSEP-E 23.01 combined COMBAT ARCHER and COMBAT HAMMER exercises, allowing participating units to be evaluated on not only air-to-air weapons employment normally held at Tyndall, but air-to-ground weapons as well.

An F-16 Flighting Falcon assigned to the 14th Fighting Squadron, Misawa Air Base, Japan, lands at Yokota Air Base, Japan, to participate in a week-long Agile Combat Employment training exercise aimed at enhancing multi-capable Airmens skillset, May 8, 2022. Twelve 14th FS F-16s and crew members deployed to Yokota AB to participate in the exercise. Through ACE, the 35th Fighter Wing train alongside the 374th Airlift Wing to maintain a competitive edge over adversaries; and execute their mission - to protect U.S. interests in the Pacific, defend Japan, and deter adversaries through presence, readiness, and ability to project agile combat air power.

A pair of U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcons taxiing on the runway.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 510th Fighter Squadron performs a training sortie at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Aug. 8, 2022. The 510th FS performs air and space control and force application roles, such as counter-air, strategic attack and counter-land, interdiction and close-air support operations.

220614-N-BI507-1066 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 14, 2022) An E/A-18G Growler, from the Cougars” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139, prepares to make an arrested gear landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is underway in the U.S. 3rd fleet area of operations.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon arrives at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 6, 2024. As a routine exercise Ballast Cannon occurs nearly quarterly with the Royal Bahraini Air Force to support the U.S. Air Forces rapid expeditionary capabilities by integrating Agile Combat Employment objectives for F-16 Fighting Falcon, KC-135 Stratotanker, and operational support personnel. The long-standing relationships the U.S. Air Force has developed within the CENTCOM AOR enables regular and routine training, which advances the coalitions ability to become a seamless operational force across every warfighting domain.

981015-F-4155R-003. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT FORGE Base: Cervia Air Base State: Emilia-Romagna Country: Italy (ITA)

An air-to-air, underside view of an F/A-18C Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron 136 (VFA-136) during flight operations off the nuclear-powered USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69) in the Persian Gulf. The aircraft is armed with an AGM-62 Walleye missile. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower(CVN 69)

A U.S. Air Force pilot with the 510th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron takes off in a F-16 Fighting Falcon returning home to Aviano Air Base, Italy from 86th Air Base, Romania, July 20, 2022. The 510th EFS was deployed to Romania to support the enhanced Air Policing operations over NATO airspace.

The first F/A-18D Hornet from VMFA(AW)-121 pulls into formation on the flightline for an arrival ceremony held to welcome the squadrons relocating from Marine Corps Air Station El Toro. Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Royal Saudi Air Force F-15 at Albacete Air Base, Spain.

980226-F-7910D-010. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

A U.S. Air Force F-15C turns in for landing.

DF-ST-88-08730. Base: Ramstein Air Base Country: West Germany (FRG)

A U.S. Air Force F-16CM Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 179th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, taxis after landing on Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, July 26, 2022. The 378th Expeditionary Operation Support Squadrons Airfield Management flight is responsible for checking the airfield for discrepancies thatd prevent aircraft from efficiently arriving and departing safely and effectively from PSAB.

020404-F-7964B-027. Base: Fort Smith State: Arkansas (AR) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Romanian Air Force F-16AM Fighting Falcon taking off.

020920-F-4649H-039. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

A 482nd Fighter Wing / 93rd Fighter Squadron Lockheed F-16C Fighting Falcon carrying a full combat load, AIM-120 AMRAAM, and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, a single GBU-12 laser-guided bomb (LGB), AN/ALQ-131 jamming pod, wing tanks and a Litening II navigation/targeting pod. The aircraft is normally based at Homestead Air Reserve Station and was flying near the Southern Flordia coastline. A 482nd Fighter Wing / 93rd Fighter Squadron Lockheed F-16C Fighting Falcon carrying a full combat load, AIM-120 AMRAAM, and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, a single GBU-12 laser-guided bomb (LGB), AN/ALQ-131 jamming pod, wing tanks and a Litening II navigation/targeting pod. The aircraft is normally based at Homestead Air Reserve Station and was flying near the Southern Flordia coastline.

PHILIPPINE SEA (June 16, 2022) An F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the "Black Aces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41, flies over 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.

PHILIPPINE SEA (April 22, 2022) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the Vigilantes” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, flies by the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during a Super Hornet demonstration. 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.

A U.S. Air Force 119th Fighter Squadron F-16C+ Fighting Falcon fighter pilot prepares for take-off during Red Flag 23-2 March 16, 2023, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. The 177th Fighter Wing from the New Jersey Air National Guard participated in Red Flag 23-2, an air-to-air training exercise that allows more than 20 units to train in a simulated aerial combat environment.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron, takes off during exercise Poseidons Rage 22 at Souda Air Base, Greece, July 18, 2022. PR22 marks the first concurrent deployment of fourth and fifth-generation fighter squadrons by United States Air Forces in Europe to the same forward operating location, showcasing the ability to conduct large force employment exercises and strengthening the NATO alliance.

041117-F-1740G-015. Base: Hyakuri Japanese Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

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