← Military & Defence

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-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 77th Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, takes off during Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 22.08 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 17, 2022. WSEP 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.

040901-F-0017C-011. Base: Kwang Ju Air Base State: Jeollanam-Do Country: Republic Of Korea (ROK)

Royal Thai Air Force Jas-39 Gripen during Exercise Cope Tiger 2016.

A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) EA-18G Growler assigned to 82 Wing, RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland Australia taxis out for a mission during Red Flag 23-3 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 25, 2023. Participants conduct a variety of scenarios, including defensive counterair, offensive counterair suppression of enemy air defenses and offensive counterair-air interdiction.

030418-F-5712B-028. Base: Tallil Air Base State: Dhi Qar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

DF-ST-86-11955. Base: Bierset Air Base Country: Belgium (BEL)

Turkish Air Force F-16 during Exercise Anatolian Eagle.

A Romanian Air Force MiG-21MF LanceR-C on the ramp at an airbase in Romania.

A U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle from the 65th Aggressor Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., takes off for a training mission during Red Flag 11-2 Feb. 2, 2011. Red Flag is a realistic combat training exercise involving the air forces of the United States and its allies.

Pilot flys an F-16 Fighting Falcon during an airshow on Marine Corp Base Hawaii, Oahu, Hawaii, August 12, 2022. The airshow was open to the public and displayed numerous military aircraft.

A U.S. Navy E/A-18 Growler assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138 gets hot pit refueled at Palau International Airport during Valiant Shield 22, June 13, 2022. VS22 is the ninth iteration of the series that began in 2006. VAQ-138 is currently assigned as the expeditionary electronic attack squadron for Commander, Task Force 70. It is a field training exercise that aims to prepare the Joint Force to rapidly respond to crises and contingencies across the spectrum of operations from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to armed conflict.

020617-F-8425S-006. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

A US Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, from the 510th Fighter Squadron, Aviano, Italy, flies with a German MiG 29, NATO code-named Fulcrum, for a training exercise. Subject Operation/Series: DENY FLIGHT Base: Decimomannu State: Sardinia Country: Italy (ITA)

U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagles assigned to the 123rd Fighter Squadron, Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon Guard, sits on flight line during Checkered Flag at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 16, 2022. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise held at Tyndall which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th- and 5th-generation aircraft during air-to-air combat training. The 22-2 iteration of the exercise was held May 9-20, 2022.

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon from the 79th Fighter Squadron leaves the flightline at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., for exercise Red Flag-Nellis (RF-N) 23-2, March 8, 2023. The 20th Fighter Wing participated in RF-N 23-2 to implement challenging and dynamic training needed to maintain a ready force capable of ensuring the collective defense of the United States, their partners and allies.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 takes off from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 5, 2023. U.S. Marines with VMFA-242 conduct routine flight operations to increase proficiency and enhance squadrons combat readiness to ensure regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 389th Fighter Squadron (FS) taxi an F-15E Strike Eagle at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Sep. 29, 2022. The F-15E is operated by a pilot and weapons system officer in tandem.

DF-ST-86-12395. Base: Seymour Johnson Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020205-F-1631A-028. Base: Zaragosa Air Base Country: Spain (ESP) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Su-35S jet fighter of the Russian Air Force taxiing during Exercise Aviadarts 2018.

Two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growlers perform during the California Capital Airshow at Mather Airport in Sacramento, California, Oct. 1, 2022.

U. S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft from the 124th Fighter Wing, Gowen Field Air National Guard Base, Boise, Idaho, perform flight operations during Agile Combat Employment (ACE) training at Agile Rage 22, Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Mich., June 10, 2022. ACE is not a specific mission, but a universal application to all combat air force operations. ACE is the ability to project combat power anytime, anywhere, while remaining operationally unpredictable to complicate an adversary's decision making process.

Ninth Air Force (AFCENT) members initiate 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.

The 74th Fighter Squadron Crew chief, STAFF Sergeant Richard Asmo, gives a final salute to Lieutenant COL. Mike Ely, the former 74th Fighter Squadron commander, as he taxies his F-16C, tail no. 90-0776, out of its parking space. This was one of the last three F-16C "Fighting Falcon" aircraft previously assigned to the 23rd Wing to depart Pope for their new squadron and station at Cannon AFB, N.M. Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

031029-F-0629H-002. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

031204-F-1545M-103. Base: Tallil Air Base State: Dhi Qar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTAF

020424-F-7203T-030. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Republic of Korea (ROK) Air Force KAI T-50 Golden Eagles assigned to the 53rd Air Demonstration Group, Black Eagles, depart Kunsan Air Base, ROK, Sept. 28, 2022. During a normal aerobatics display, Black Eagle pilots can experience up to five gravitational force equivalents and as high as nine during a maximum maneuver.

German Air Force EF.2000 ready to take-off.

041222-N-2984R-100. Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

Line of F-16 Jets

Fighter pilots with the 157th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, prepare to launch F-16 Fighting Falcons for their first flying mission April 17, 2012. Personnel are deployed from McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C., in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Swamp Fox F-16s, pilots, and support personnel began their Air Expeditionary Force deployment early April to take over flying missions for the air tasking order and provide close air support for troops on the ground in Afghanistan.

The U.S. Air Force's F-16D Automatic Collision Avoidance Technology (ACAT) aircraft flies over Rogers Dry Lake at Edwards Air Force Base, CA. NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center worked with the Air Force Research Laboratory in the ACAT Fighter Risk Reduction Project to develop collision avoidance technologies for fighter/attack aircraft that would reduce the risk of ground and mid-air collisions.

Two Swedish Air Force JAS-39 Gripens taking off.

031116-F-6911G-003. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Two F-4 Phantom II aircraft prepare to take off during Exercise Quick Thrust '83-1. Subject Operation/Series: QUICK THRUST '83 Base: Travis Field, Savannah State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

PHILIPPINE SEA (April 22, 2022) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the Vigilantes of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, conducts maneuvers during a Super Hornet demonstration aboard 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.

An EAV-8B+ of Escuadrilla 009 of the Spanish Navy.

At Aviano Air Base (AB), Italy, two US Air Force (USAF) F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters take off on a training mission. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

A Romanian Air Force MiG-21C airplane at Camp Turzii Air Base, Romania.

Israeli Air Force F-16I Sufa.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron departs on a sortie from Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Jan. 8, 2016. Airmen assigned to the 421st Fighter Squadron from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, supported Operation Freedoms Sentinel and NATOs Resolute Support missions.

040208-F-2399B-005. Base: Fresno Air National Guard Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

030408-F-9448S-014. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

An F-15 Strike Eagle from the 493rd Fighter Squadron, 48th Fighter Wing, Royal Air Force (RAF) Lakenheath, United Kingdom Approaches the runway at RAF Lakenheath for landing while an A-10 Thunderbolt II from the 81st Fighter Squadron Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, waits for take off in the aircraft hold area. Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-2 lands during Cope North 24 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb 14, 2024. Participants exercise interoperability during Cope North 24 through agile combat employment and integrated generation of Air Power from dispersed locations across the Indo-Pacific. Air Force

Two Turkish Air Force F-16C/D Block 52+ aircraft ready for take-off.

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle taking off from Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.

An A-10A Warthog aircraft from the 23rd Wing, Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina, in-flight during a flight demonstration at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, during the Operation DESERT STORM 10th Anniversary Air Tattoo. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force T-38A Talon assigned to the 2d Fighter Training Squadron takes off from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Sept. 13, 2022. The 2d FTS primary mission is to fly adversary air for F-22 Raptor student pilots learning basic fighter fundamentals, but the T-38 is capable of supporting various airframes.

Staff Sgt. Brandon Burton, a crew chief with the 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C., marshals an F-16 Fighting Falcon into its position after its return to Joint Base Balad, Iraq, from flying a mission on June 29, 2010. The 169th Fighter Wing at McEntire sent F-16's, pilots, maintenance specialists, and support personnel overseas for its first major combat operation since 2003, when the unit deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom and flew more than 400 combat missions. The 169 FW is now an "Active Associate" wing. This unique agreement with the 20 FW at Shaw AFB embeds 150 active duty Airmen with the 169 FW at McEntire to forge an even stronger, more mobile force. Elements of the South Carolina Air National Guard's 169 FW began this historic deployment in early May 2010 when airmen landed at JBB in support of OIF.

An F-15C Eagle taxis prior to taking off at Muniz Air National Guard Base in Carolina, Puerto Rico in support of North American Aerospace Defense Commands (NORAD) Operation Noble Defender (OND), 29 June, 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 fighter aircraft controlled by a sophistica

U.S. Navy Blue Angels F/A-18 Super Hornet pilots take off at 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 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.

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.

An F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 14th Fighter Squadron, Misawa Air Base, Japan, takes off from Yokota Air Base, Japan, as part of a week-long Agile Combat Employment training exercise geared to enhancing multi-capable Airmens skillsets, May 11, 2022. Twelve 14th FS F-16Cs, along with pilots and supporting ground crew members, deployed to Yokota for the exercise. During the ACE training event, the deployed F-16Cs trained alongside 374th Airlift Wing Airmen to sustain 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 Swiss Air Force F/A-18 Hornet comes in for landing at its homebase Meiringen, Switzerland.

MB-339CD of the Italian Air Force Flight Test Unit.

F-5E Tiger II from the Swiss Air Force landing.

Seven F-16C Fighting Falcons assigned to the 14th Fighter Squadron, Misawa Air Base, Japan, prepare for a training sortie at Yokota Air Base, Japan, as part of a week-long Agile Combat Employment training exercise aimed at enhancing multi-capable Airmens skillset, May 8, 2022. Twelve 14th FS F-16Cs and ground crew Airmen deployed to Yokota to participate in the exercise. The U.S. Air Force utilizes ACE to better compete with its adversaries and joint training between the 35th Fighter Wing and the 374th Airlift Wing helps their Airmen 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.

110325-N-M0201-061SOUDA BAY, Greece (Mar. 25, 2011) A Qatar Emiri Air Force Dassault Mirage 2000-5 fighter jet takes off as part of a Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn mission. Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn is the U.S. Africa Command task force established to provide operational and tactical command and control of U.S. military forces supporting the international response to the unrest in Libya and enforcement of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973.UNSCR 1973 authorizes all necessary measures to protect civilians in Libya under threat of attack by Qadhafi regime forces. JTF Odyssey Dawn is commanded by U.S. Navy Adm. Samuel J. Locklear, III.

F-16AM Fighting Falcon jet fighter of the Belgian Air Force.

030403-M-5607A-016. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Italian Air Force EF-2000 Typhoon during NATO Baltic Air Policing, Estonia.

A Romanian Air Force MiG-21C with parachute deployed.

030305-M-2237F-013. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Al Jaber Air Base Country: Kuwait (KWT)

030115-F-7203T-013. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Bagram Air Base State: Parwan Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

After a Ground Crew Has Armed All of The Weapons of the Aircraft, A US Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier Prepares to Launch from Al Asad Air Base in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq

F-15DJ Eagle of the Japan Air Self Defense Force's Hiko Kyodatai aggressor squadron.

Two F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft from the 127th Wing, Michigan Air National Guard (ANG) take off at Selfridge ANGB, Michigan (MI), during a training mission in support of Operation NOBLE EAGLE. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE Base: Selfridge Air Natl Guard Base State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 (VMFA-115) conduct pre-flight checks at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C. July 26, 2022. The missiles used during Marine VMFA-115 and Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224's training were Advanced Medium Range Air to Air Missiles and Tactical Air Launched Decoys.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 391st Fighter Squadron, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, starts up during Checkered Flag 23-1 at Tyndall AFB, Florida, Nov. 4, 2022. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise held at Tyndall 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.

DN-SC-85-00452. Country: Unknown

020327-F-4814D-072. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron taxi for take-off, 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.

1st Lt. Jason Mandizvidza, training pilot and Brazilian Air Force Capt. Felipe Pereira, 435th Fighter Training Squadron instructor pilot, fly a T-38 Talon to conduct basic surface attack simulation at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, July 7, 2022. This training introduces training pilots to basic concepts of surface attack, importance of safety and following specific parameters to ensure simulated ordnance hit their target with high precision within a tight bombing pattern.

SUEZ CANAL (April 4, 2012) A Sailor covers an F/A-18E Super Hornet cockpit in preparation for a Suez Canal transit. Enterprise is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and air-support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom.

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

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II flies over San Marcos, Texas, May 27, 2022. The A-10 Demonstration Team travels to shows around the country, as well as internationally, to highlight the combat capabilities of the A-10. The mission of the team is to recruit, retain and inspire.

An F/A-18 Hornet takes off during the Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration of the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 23, 2022. The MAGTF Demo displays the coordinated use of close-air support, artillery and infantry forces, and provides a visual representation of how the Marine Corps operates. 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.

040520-F-9032T-007. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

F-35 stealth fighter jet from the Dutch airforce during a NATO exercise in flight

U.S. Air Force Capt. Aimee Rebel” Fiedler, F-16 Demonstration Team commander and pilot, performed at the Chippewa Valley Air Show, WI, June 4, 2022. Fiedler performs precision aerial maneuvers to demonstrate the unique capabilities of one of the Air Force's premier multi-role fighters, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

A lone U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 14th Fighter Squadron takes off at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, at the start of RED FLAG-Alaska 23-1 Oct. 10, 2022. The F-16 is an all-weather, extremely maneuverable, tactical fighter designed to permit the Air Force to gain and maintain air supremacy over the battlefield.

US Air Force crew chiefs preflight aircraft prior to NATO air strikes on Serbian targets surrounding Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina. Subject Operation/Series: DELIBERATE FORCE Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

A U.S. Air Force F-16D Fighting Falcon assigned to the Oklahoma Air National Guard takes off during Checkered Flag 23-1 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Nov. 4, 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.

Israeli Air Force F-16I Sufa taxiing before take-off from Ramon Air Base, Israel.

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II fires its 30mm cannon.

031209-F-1789V-001. Base: Lajes Field State: Azores Country: Portugal (PRT) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFFE

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 510th Fighter Squadron performs a low pass training sortie at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Aug. 8, 2022. The 510th FS provides combat air power to U.S. and NATO combatant commanders in order to meet national security objectives.

F-16 Fighting Falcons taxi on the flightline at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, March 1, 2011, after returning from Anderson Air Force Base, Guam. They were there to participate in a two-week exercise conducted by U.S. and Japanese officials. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Boitz)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft from the 555th Fighter Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy, throws a trail of water upon landing at Malacky Air Base, Republic of Slovakia. The 555th is in Slovakia for a Weapons Training Deployment which will improve their efficiency at armament delivery. Base: Malacky Country: Slovakia (SVK)

An F-15 Eagle Expends Flares After Strafing a Target

Israel Air Force F-16C taking off.

An EAV-8B+ of Escuadrilla 009 of the Spanish Navy.

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle assigned as the flagship to the 493rd Fighter Squadron departs Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, April 27, 2022. The F-15Cs will be relocated to other bases as the Liberty Wing continues to integrate the fifth generation fighter F-35A Lightning II.

Rear view long shot as US Air Force Technical Sergeant Jeff McCoy of the 65th Operational Support Squadron marshall's an AV-8B Harrier of Marine squadron VMA 223 from Ewa Oahu, Hawaii at Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal. The marines were transitioning Lajes enroute to Greece. Base: Lajes Field State: Azores Country: Portugal (PRT)

Italian Air Force EF-2000 Typhoon.

An F-16I Sufa of the Israeli Air Force in flight over Ramon Air Force Base, Israel.

Su-34 jet fighter of the Russian Air Force firing missiles during Exercise Aviadarts 2018.

of 4