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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 U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle, assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, is marshaled after landing for exercise Poseidons Rage at Souda Air Base, Greece, July 8, 2022. The 494th is one of two fighter squadrons, deployed from the 48th Fighter Wing, in support of exercise Poseidons Rage.

Israeli Air Forcee F-16I Sufa with practise bomb.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Aimee Rebel” Fiedler, F-16 Demonstration Team commander and pilot, performed at the Vero Beach Air Show, FL., Apr 30, 2022. The Viper Demo Team travels to roughly 20 air shows across the United States each year where they engage with local media and members of the community in which they are performing.

An Israeli Air Force F-16A Netz taxiing at Nevatim Airbase.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Aimee Rebel” Fiedler, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team pilot and commander, performs an aerial demonstration during the Shaw Air & Space Expo at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, April 3, 2022. The Shaw Air & Space Expo is dedicated to the Airmen who have served the past 75 years and honors their legacy of innovation and their work to make America the leader in airpower and space power.

An F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to the "Golden Warriors" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87, launches from the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Oct. 7, 2022. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) is deployed in the Atlantic Ocean, conducting training and operations alongside NATO Allies and partners to enhance integration for future operations and demonstrate the U.S. Navys commitment to a peaceful, stable and conflict-free Atlantic region.

U.S. Air Force F-16CM/DM Fighting Falcon operating from Graf Ignatievo Air Base, Bulgaria.

US Navy Grumman EA-6B Prowler electronic warfare aircraft seconds before touchdown at Naval Air Facility El Centro, CA.

F-16AM from the Royal Netherlands Air Force touching down, Spangdahlem, Germany.

An U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon prepares to take off on a mission at dawn from Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, Feb. 11, 2014. The aircraft and crews at Bagram are prepared to fly 24 hours a day.

011113-N-9849W-009. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Uss Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Scene Major Command Shown: CV-63

An F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 492nd Fighter Squadron performs a high-speed pass over RAF Lakenheath, England, April 10, 2019. The 492nd conducts routine training daily to ensure RAF Lakenheath brings unique air combat capabilities to the fight when called upon by U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa.

A Turkish Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon.

A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to the 357th Fighter Squadron are positioned at live ordnance loading areas at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Sept. 13, 2022. Once the flying schedule calls for live munitions on flying sorties, aircraft are positioned at LOLA and weapons load crews are dispatched to perform the live loading operations.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Michael Ortolani, an F-16 crew chief, right, watches as Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Bollock, a logistician, embodies the multi-capable Airman concept by marshaling a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon for Exercise Ballast Cannon 24.3 at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, 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. The long-standing relationships the U.S. Air Force has developed within the CENTCOM AOR enables regular and routine training which advances the coalition's ability to become a seamless operational force across every warfighting domain.

Italian Air Force Tornado ECR armed with an AGM-88B HARM missile.

030321-F-0365G-009. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

A Spanish Air Force EF-18A aircraft landing at Konya Air Base, Turkey.

F-16C Fighting Falcons with the 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard, participate in a training exercise July 5, 2017, in Atlantic City, N.J. The 177 FW and the Civil Air Patrol participated in this exercise for training in Aerospace Control Alert intercept procedures.

U.S. Air Force Maj. David Leedom, 157th Fighter Squadron pilot, and Senior Airman Thurmond Bowens, 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, perform preflight procedures as F-16 fighter jets from the South Carolina Air National Guards 169th Fighter Wing prepare to depart Columbia Metropolitan Airport in West Columbia, South Carolina to an alternate airfield September 29, 2022. The temporary relocation is a safety precaution ahead of the anticipated arrival of Hurricane Ian. The aircraft will return to South Carolina and resume their normal flight training operations just as soon as conditions allow.

A U.S. Navy F/A-18A+ taxies towards the runway at JRB NAS New Orleans, Louisiana.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 776th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron and French air force personnel prepare a French air force Dassault Mirage 2000 for being parked on the flightline at Chabelley airfield, Djibouti, Oct. 6, 2022. U.S. and French forces worked together in this exercise to have a safe place for planes to land in times of emergencies. We work with our partners to build capacity, strengthen defense institutions, and counter a multitude of threats to enable a stable and prosperous Africa.

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" F-16 FIghting Falcon on the ramp at 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.

030331-F-7709A-006. Country: Gulf Of Mexico Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

An F-15 from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force takes to the sky during Red Flag-Alaska, Oct. 9, 2009, at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Red Flag-Alaska provides participants 67,000 square miles of airspace for realistic combat situations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Boitz)

Lithuanian Air Force L-39ZA Albatros at a NATO exercise.

Su-30SM jet fighter of the Russian Navy during aerial refueling.

U.S. Air Force Reserve Command F-16C Block 30 taxiing at Andravida Air Base.

020116-F-5872L-008. Subject Operation/Series: COPE TIGER '02 Base: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

030226-F-1798W-002. Subject Operation/Series: COPE TIGER 2003 Base: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA)

DF-ST-86-09660. Subject Operation/Series: SOLID SHIELD 85 Base: Mcentire Ang Station State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Royal Air Force FGR-4 Typhoon returns from a familiarization flight, Jan. 11, 2024 for Red Flag-Nellis 24-1 as a B-52 Stratofortress lands. Red Flag increases interoperability across the joint force as Airmen, Guardians, Soldiers, Marines and Sailors train together against high-end, realistic scenarios.

A U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, departs Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, March 29, 2023. The aircraft is a dual-role fighter designed to perform air-to-ground and air-to-air missions.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 169th Fighter Wing, South Carolina Air National Guard, flies over the Air Dominance Center in Savannah, Georgia during exercise Sentry Savannah on May 11, 2022. Sentry Savannah is the Air National Guards largest air-to-air, joint aerial combat exercise for fourth- and fifth-generation fighters, which tests the capabilities of our warfighters in a simulated environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

A U.S. Air Force F-16CJ Fighting Falcon.

020116-F-5872L-003. Subject Operation/Series: COPE TIGER '02 Base: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

CF-18s departing CFB Goose Bay, N.L., for Op Noble Defender 23-1.1

U.S. Air Force Capt. Aimee Fiedler, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team commander and pilot, prepares for take off during Wings Over Solano at Travis Air Force Base, California, May 14, 2022. The Wings Over Solano open house and air show provided an opportunity for the local community to interact directly with the base and its Airmen and see capabilities on full display at Travis AFB.

Air to Air View of A US Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet Miles Above the Al Anbar Province of Iraq at Sunset During a Close Air Support Mission

U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornet stationed at Naval Air Station Oceana Virginia Beach takes off for a training missing during the 2010 Falcon Air Meet, October 26, 2010, Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Azraq Jordan. The Falcon Air Meet is a friendly competition centered on the F-16 Fighting Falcon. F-16 units from Jordan, US Air Force 77th Wing Shaw Air Force Base, and the UAE along with a Mirage unit from Pakistan and a U.S. Navy F-18 unit from the USS Harry S. Truman are competing in the fifth annual event hosted by Jordan and the Royal Jordanian Air Force. The event has been judged by the 140th Colorado Air National Guard the past 5 years due to their strong friendship with Jordan and their State Partnership Program.

A Brazilian Air Force Embraer A-1B soars through the sky over Brazil during Exercise CRUZEX V.CRUZEX V is a multinational exercise encompassing real means from the Air Forces of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, France, Uruguay, United States, Venezuela and simulated means from Land and Maritime Components that takes place October 28th to November 19th, 2010, on the Northeast coast of Brazil.

U.S. Air Force F-16C Block 40 aircraft prepares for landing.

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 Bulgarian Air Force MiG-29 during Exercise Thracian Star.

Two U.S. Navy E/A-18 Growlers assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138 taxi on the runway at Palau International Airport during Valiant Shield 22, June 13, 2022. VAQ-138 is currently assigned as the expeditionary electronic attack squadron for Commander, Task Force 70. Exercises like VS22 allow the INDOPACOM Joint Force the opportunity to integrate Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force and Space Force to train in precise, lethal and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of Joint Force.

A B-2 advanced technology bomber takes off on its first flight, at the Air Force Flight Test Center. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020807-F-7709A-003. Base: Hill Air Force Base State: Utah (UT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Navy F/A-18D Hornet at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle, assigned to the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron lands during a routine agile combat employment exercise at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Aug. 15, 2022. Continual training in ACE competencies enhances mission proficiency and increases readiness to deter regional aggression.

040823-F-3968C-049. Base: Luke Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) 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.

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 Royal Air Force (RAF) Tornado F3 aircraft, 43rd Squadron, Air Defense, waits for takeoff clearance on a mission in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM at a forward deployed location in Southwest Asia. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

DN-ST-94-00702. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft from the 35th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Wing, Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, attempts a hook barrier engagement scenario during Kunsan's Beverly Bearcat Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI). The 8th Fighter Wing personnel are being evaluated on their wartime capabilities as well as their ability to survive and operate during their ORI. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

An F-16C Falcon assigned to the 64th Aggressor Squadron, taxis prior to a training mission at Nellis AFB, Nevada, May 18, 2022. Aggressor pilots are highly skilled in U.S. and adversary tactics. They provide realism to U.S. and allied forces during training exercises.

January 18, 2010 - Dassault Rafale B of the French Air Force off the Normandy coast. These Rafales carry AASM Hammer bombs.

An EF-2000 Typhoon of the Italian Air Force emerges from a shelter at Istrana Air Base, Italy.

A U.S. Air Force F-16CJ Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, takes off from Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Aug. 24, 2022. The 79th 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.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 389th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron (EFS), runs its engines up while deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

030825-F-7709A-006. State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

060415-N-0490C-005. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Thomas Tanto Fry, 35th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, soars into the sky shortly after take-off for a training sortie as part of the Red Flag 22-2 exercise at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, June 14, 2022. Known as the Pantons, the 35th FS performs air and space control and force application roles including counter air, strategic attack, interdiction, and close-air support missions. It employs a full range of precision ordnance, can operate day or night and in all weather conditions. The Red Flag Exercise was established in 1975 and serves as a two-week advanced aerial combat training exercise held multiple times a year by the USAF, alongside joint partner and allied air and ground forces.

November 10, 2012 - An F-16C Fighting Falcon of the 64th Aggressor Squadron takes off from Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.

Staff Sgt. Riley Mobly, phase dock crew chief, 138th Fighter Wing, marshal's an F-16 Tulsa Viper for takeoff during a Sentry Aloha exercise Aug. 26, 2019, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. The Hawaii Air National Guard exercise is held several times a year to provide aircraft with dissimilar combat training among participating flying and support units.

Italian Air Force Tornado ECR taking off.

MiG-29SMT jet fighter the Russian Air Force landing during Exercise Aviadarts 2018.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon gains altitude, Jan. 28, 2019, near Aviano Air Base, Italy. The 31st Fighter Wing is home to the 555th and 510th Fighter Squadrons, capable of offensive and defensive air combat operations.

An F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 492nd Fighter Squadron uses its tail hook to test a barrier at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Oct. 30, 2022. The barrier certification must happen annually to assure the system is in proper working order in the case of an in-flight emergency were to ever occur.

Alpha Jets of the Portuguese Air Force.

Italian Air Force Tornado ECR during Exercise Anatolian Eagle 2016.

A Royal Air Force FGR-4 Typhoon lands at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 10, 2024 in preparation for Red Flag-Nellis 24-1. Red Flag exercises provide aircrews the experience of multiple, intensive air combat sorties in the safety of a training environment.

DN-ST-89-05720. Base: Unknown

A group of F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft arrive at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. While assigned to PSAB, the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron mission is to project combat airpower across AFCENTs area of responsibility, supporting personnel, improving force movement, and showing U.S. and partner nations resolve in the region.

Danish Air Force F-16AM jets with live missiles during an Air Policing mission.

German Air Force Typhoon aircraft during Exercise NATO Tiger Meet.

A U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet flies through Death Valley, California.

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer assigned to the 28th Bomb Wing, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, sits on a landing pad alongside two Saab JAS 39 Gripens at Luleå-Kallax Air Base, Sweden, Feb. 26, 2024, during Bomber Task Force 24-2. BTF missions enable crews to maintain a high state of readiness proficiency, and validate an always-ready, global strike capability. BTF operations provide U.S. leaders with strategic options to assure Allies and partners, while deterring potential adversary aggression across the globe. Air Force

040811-F-1448M-001. Base: Dyess Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Belgian Air Force F-16AM Fighting Falcon prepares for landing.

011205-F-1279W-013. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

DF-ST-88-09613. Subject Operation/Series: RED STAR Base: Royal Air Force Alconbury Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

Spanish Navy AV-8B Harrier at Rota Naval Air Station, Spain.

Prior to taxiing the F-16DG Fighting Falcon, Captain Joe, "JAVO" Javorski, USAF, (front), with Captain Jean, "PYRO" Havens, USAF, from the 510th Fighter Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy, looks over to his ground crew as they prepare to get the go-ahead to pull the wheel chocks. The crew will be flying one of four F-16s flying in an air-to-air training fight against fellow NATO allies from Spain flying FA-18s in airspace over Italy. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

A Ukrainian Air Force Su-27 Flanker prepares for landing.

030327-F-4987A-087. Subject Operation/Series: PATRIOT THUNDER Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

F-16B of the Danish Air Force in flight.

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, prepare F/A-18C Hornets to deploy to Poland from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, June 6, 2022. VMFA-323 remains ready to deter aggression, and stand shoulder to shoulder with our Allies.

A Polish Air Force F-16C Block 52 aircraft with conformal fuel tanks and sniper targeting pod, Lechfeld Airfield, Germany.

Royal Thai Air Force Jas-39 Gripen.

Capt. Kevin Saval, 80th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, disembarks an F-16 upon arrival from a multinational maritime strike training scenario during Cobra Gold 24 exercise at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, Feb. 29, 2024. F-16s assigned to the 80th Fighter Squadron operated alongside allies and partner nations in a scenario designed to test the interoperability of multinational assets and enhance the combined forces ability to respond rapidly and effectively to future crises. Air Force

Swiss Air Force F-18C Hornet used for Air Policing, scrambles from Payerne Air Base, Payerne, Switzerland.

U.S. Air National Guard Lt. Col. Steven Schultz, pilot, 114th Fighter Wing, flies an F-16 Fighting Falcon alongside a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 185th Air Refueling Wing on April 1, 2022. This F-16 was designed to commemorate the 114th Fighter Wings 75 years of Fighter Aviation Heritage.

United States Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornets of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (All Weather) 225 stand lined up at Kuantan Air Base, Malaysia. Aircraft were taken to Malaysia to participate in the Air Warrior Exercise.

French Air Force Dassualt MFG Mirage 2000 fighter-bomber taking part in Red Flag exercises at Nellis Air Force Base Las Vegas NV

A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 takes off during exercise Keen Sword 2023 at Japan Air Self-Defense Force Nyutabaru Air Base, Japan, Nov. 11, 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.

A Royal Saudi AIr Force F-15SA Strike Eagle.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon piloted by Captain Tim REEF Joubert, instructor pilot assigned to the 64th Aggressor Squadron, flies over North Las Vegas after participating in a Red Flag-Nellis 22-3 mission at Nellis Air Force Base, July 12, 2022. During RF-N 22-3 the aggressor nation refines threat replication, applies advanced threats and jamming capabilities and increases threat capabilities to maximize training in non-permissive environments.

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