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Military Aircraft in Action

Various military aircraft, including fighter jets and tankers, depicted in flight during training exercises and operations, emphasizing aerial maneuvers and refueling activities.

A pair of Bulgarian Air Force MiG-29s aircraft over Bulgaria.

July 25, 2007 - An F-15C Aggressor flies over a mountain range on a refueling mission at Red Flag-Alaska.

An air-to-air left side view of a 36th Tactical Fighter wing F-15C Eagle aircraft during Exercise OKSBOEL '86. Subject Operation/Series: OKSBOEL 86' Country: Unknown

An F-16 assigned to the 162nd Wing, Morris Air National Guard Base, Tucson, Ariz., soars over the skies during a recent training Mission. Morris ANG Base is home to the Air National Guard's premier F-16 fighter pilot training unit, the 162nd Wing. It is one of the largest ANG wings in the country and resides next to the Tucson International Airport. The wing shares use of the runway, security and fire control with the airport. Guardsmen provide ready forces in support of civil authorities and wartime operations.

050410-F-9550P-001. Base: Macdill Afb State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

060115-N-9898L-007. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

F-16C from the Hellenic Air Force taking off from Lechfeld Air Base, Germany.

010810-F-7910D-004. Base: Buckley Field State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 77th Fighter Squadron takes off as part of The Falcon Air Meet 2010 at Azraq Air Base, Jordan, Oct. 21, 2010. The purpose of The Falcon Air Meet is to improve international military relations and joint air operations.

030619-F-7709A-004. Country: Gulf Of Mexico Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

Belgian Air Force F-16A Fighting Falcon.

040720-F-1279W-063. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

041118-F-1740G-003. Base: Hyakuri Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

A Strike Fighter Squadron 125 (VFA-125) F/A-18D Hornet aircraft flies out to the Strike Warfare Center B-16 range to take part in pilot transitional training. The aircraft is armed with an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

August 12, 2005 - F-22A Raptors fly over Langley Air Force Base, Virginia.

DN-ST-93-03736. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force Maj. Kristin "BEO" Wolfe, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team Pilot and Commander, flies overhead during the Oregon International Air Show at Hillsboro Airport, Ore., May 22, 2022. The "She Flies with Her Own Wings" air show was considered an all-female air show, to include female performers, maintenance personnel, emcees, and air bosses.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron flies alongside two Polish F-16s in 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.

A U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler assigned to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, takes off for a familiarization flight for Red Flag-Nellis 24-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 11, 2024. Red Flag increases interoperability between partner nations and across the joint force as Airmen and Guardians train together against high-end, realistic scenarios.

A U.S. Air Force F-22A Raptor on a Red Flag mission in Nevada.

220615-N-XN177-3109 PHILIPPINE SEA (June 15, 2022) - An F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 121 lands on the flight deck of amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), June 15, 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.

A 53rd Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagle aircraft returns to base after a mission during Operation Deny Flight, the enforcement of the United Nations-sanctioned no-fly zone over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Subject Operation/Series: DENY FLIGHT Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

021008-F-7709A-002. State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor performs an aerial maneuver Aug. 12, 2022, during the Kaneohe Bay Air Show at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. The Raptor is assigned to the Hawaii Air National Guards 199th Fighter Squadron at Joint-Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and was operated by members of the F-22 Demonstration Team throughout the air show. The event was held to celebrate the militarys longstanding relationship with the local community.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 179th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, conducts aerial training operations with Egyptian Air Force partners in support of exercise Agile Phoenix within the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility June 28, 2022. Agile Phoenix is a joint agile combat employment exercise focused on enhancing interoperability and ensuring regional security.

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons with Luke Air Force base prepare to be refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 161st Air Refueling Wing during a local sortie on Aug. 6, 2022. The 161st out of Goldwater Air National Guard Base, conducts regular air refueling missions with their regional partners at Luke Air Force Base.

A US Air Force F-16 Falcon from the 169th Fighter Wing, South Carolina Air National Guard, McEntire ANG Base, SC, finished refueling from with a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 134th Air Refueling Wing, Tennessee National Guard, McGhee Tyson ANG Base, Knoxville, TN, over the coast of South Carolina. State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A 56th Fighter Wing F-16 Fighting Falcon from Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, takes off on a training mission.

An 80th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon performs a combat takeoff during training at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Nov. 18, 2022. The aircrafts avionics systems include a highly accurate enhanced global positioning and inertial navigation systems, and also includes a warning system and modular countermeasure pods to be used against airborne or surface electronic threats.

The U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team from Joint Base Langley-Eustis performs a practice demonstration over the flightline at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Nov. 17, 2022. The F-22 Raptor showcased the combat readiness and elite maneuverability of the 5th generation aircraft.

A US Marine Corps (USMC) F/A-18C, Strike Fighter Squadron 195 (VFA-195), Naval Air Station (NAS) Atsugi, Japan (JPN), demonstrates the maneuverability of the aircraft during the Freedom through Friendship Air Show at Osan Air Base (AB), Republic of Korea (KOR). Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

DN-SC-89-01742. Country: Unknown

April 8, 2011 - A Dutch F-16AM armed with AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles refuels during a combat air patrol sortie in support of Operation Unified Protector over the Mediterranean Sea close to Libya.

DF-ST-86-10365. Subject Operation/Series: CORAL SEA 85 Country: Australia (AUS)

A U.S. Navy F/A-18C Hornet prepares for landing.

040812-F-0375W-035. Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An air-to-air right side view of two FB-111A aircraft of the 509th Bombardment Wing. The planes are armed with Mark 82 high drag practice bombs. Country: Unknown

Colombian Air Force KFIRs and the U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons from the South Carolina Air National Guard, 157th Fighter Squadron fly in formation during Relampago VII, an exercise in Barranquilla, Colombia, Aug. 30, 2022. The purpose of this exercise is to provide the Colombian Air Force with requested realistic interoperability training as allied countries, under NATO standards. South Carolina is Colombias State Partner in the State Partnership Program.

Hellenic Air Force F-16C Block 52.

020919-M-1103B-007. Subject Operation/Series: BENGLE TIGER 2002 Base: Colombo Country: Sri Lanka (LKA) Scene Major Command Shown: VMGR-152

120108-N-OY799-136 ARABIAN SEA (Jan. 8:: 2012) An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Tophatters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14 commences its approach toward the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

An F-16 from the 169th Fighter Wing in South Carolina approaches the boom of a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 134th Air Refueling Wing. The 134th Air Refueling Wing celebrated the centennial anniversary of in-flight refueling on June 27, 2023, by performing two flyovers and a total of seven in-flight refuelings in the skies over Tennessee.

021219-F-7449W-001. Subject Operation/Series: WINTER CHILL Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: 52d FW

A Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18F Super Hornet prepares for landing.

Polish Air Force F-16 aircraft during Exercise NATO Tiger Meet.

An air-to-air right side view of two Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA-86) F/A-18 Hornet aircraft over Towsend Target Range. State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

021007-F-7709A-019. State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, 49th Fighter Wing, Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., flies over the Nevada Test and Training Range for a training mission during Red Flag 11-3, March 2, 2011. Red Flag is a realistic combat training exercise involving the air forces of the United States and its allies. The exercise is hosted north of Las Vegas on the Nevada Test and Training Range.

A US Marine Corps F/A-18D Lands at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq

A B-1 Lancer from the 28th Bomb Squadron assigned to Dyess Air Force Base, Texas refuels with a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 465th Air Refueling Squadron, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, over north Texas October 21, 2022.

A right front view of an F-16A Fighting Falcon aircraft during deployment to Kunsan Air Base, Korea. The aircraft, from the 35th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, is equipped with auxiliary fuel tanks. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A Wisconsin Air National Guard F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Turkish Air Force F-16 in flight during Exercise Anatolian Eagle 2016.

U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagles assigned to Louisiana Air National Guard's 159th Fighter Wing, fly in formation beneath a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to MacDill Air Force Bases 6th Air Refueling Wing in support of North American Aerospace Defense Command's (NORAD) Operation Noble Defender (OND), June 27, 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

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

Air-to-air left side view of two F-15E Eagle fighter aircraft armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles (wing), and AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missiles. The aircraft are from the 43rd Tactical Fighter Squadron, Elmendorf AFB. Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 28, 2017) An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 approaches the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). The aircraft carrier is underway conducting test and evaluation operations.

030402-F-7709A-008. Country: Gulf Of Mexico Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

DF-ST-86-09337. Base: San Francisco State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An air-to-air top front view of an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft in preparation for refueling, taken from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft during a flight from March Air Force Base, Calif., to Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

An F-15C Eagle aircraft from the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing returns to the base after a sortie during Exercise Cope Thunder 89-5. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER 89-5 Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

240124-N-FK754-1049 PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 24, 2024) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14, flies over the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations conducting advanced tactical training that increases warfighting capability and tactical proficiency across all domains.

Two U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagles assigned to the 104th Fighter Wing, Massachusetts Air National Guard, fly behind a 101st Air Refueling Wing, Maine Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker during a refueling training operation over the northeastern United States October 27, 2022. The 104FW is trained to provide around-the-clock Aerospace Control Alert operations, supplying armed F-15 fighters prepared to scramble in a moments notice to protect the northeast United States from any airborne threat.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor with the 325th Fighter Wing, approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker with the 117th Air Refueling Wing, Alabama Air National Guard, to refuel in-flight during Sentry Savannah May 11, 2022, in a military operations area over Florida. Sentry Savannah is the Air National Guards premier counter air exercise, encompassing 10 units of fourth- and fifth- generation fighter aircraft, which tests the capabilities of warfighters in a simulated near-peer environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

The U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet West Coast Rhino Demo Team performs during the Aviation Nation 2022 airshow at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Nov. 5, 2022. The airshow included the West Coast Rhino Demo Team, showcasing the capabilities of the U.S. Air Forces joint partners in assuring air superiority.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II with Luke Air Force Base prepares to be refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker with the 161st Air Refueling Wing during a local sortie on Sept. 16, 2022. The 161st out of Goldwater Air National Guard Base, conducts regular air refueling missions with their regional partners at Luke Air Force Base.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II with Luke Air Force Base prepares to be refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker with the 161st Air Refueling Wing during a local sortie on Sept. 16, 2022. The 161st out of Goldwater Air National Guard Base, conducts regular air refueling missions with their regional partners at Luke Air Force Base.

An air-to-air right side view of a 401st Tactical Fighter Wing F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft carrying a load of bombs. Country: Unknown

040824-F-2295B-008. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Chilean Air Force F-16 taking off from Natal Air Force Base, Brazil.

An air-to-air view of three Strike Fighter Squadron 25 (VFA-25) F/A-18A Hornet aircraft flying in echelon. Country: Unknown

A US Air Force (USAF) F-15C Strike Eagle fighter from Langley Air Force Base (AFB), Virginia, flies away after receiving fuel from a USAF KC-135 Stratotanker from Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota, during a sortie in support of Operation NORTHERN WATCH. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

DF-ST-89-10425. State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Pakistan Air Force F-16A Block 15 military aircraft.

050908-F-2295B-028. State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

060910-N-1087H-036. Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft from the 68th Fighter Squadron, Moody Air Force Base, Georgia prepares to take off from Azaraq Air Base, Jordan. The plane just arrived and was quick loaded with munitions for the sortie. The aircraft will be participating in the Air Power Expeditionary Force. An ancillary mission of the Force is to assist US Air Force and other multinational forces operating in Saudi Arabia and other nearby countries patrol the no-fly zone over southern Iraq. Subject Operation/Series: AIR POWER EXPEDITIONARY FORCE Base: Azraq Air Base Country: Jordan (JOR)

An Iraqi Air Force F-16D Fighting Falcon.

A 332d Air Expeditionary Wing F-15E Strike Eagle conducts a sortie during a routine training exercise at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, July 6, 2022. The F-15E is a dual-role fighter designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions with an array of avionics and electronics systems that give it the capability to fight at low altitude, day or night and in all weather.

The Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration takes place during 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.

A Royal Bahraini Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon receives fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker during Exercise Ballast Cannon 24.3 over an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 7, 2024. Ballast Cannon is a routine bilateral exercise occurring nearly quarterly with the Royal Bahraini Air Force, which focuses on strengthening the bonds between coalition forces and building a foundation for future engagements in support of the combined defense of the Arabian Peninsula.

An Iraqi Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon takes off.

An F-15 Eagle aircraft flies a patrol over the desert during the cease-fire between coalition and Iraqi forces following Operation Desert Storm. The aircraft is carrying four AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles on its wing pylons and an AIM-7 Sparrow missile beneath its fuselage.

PHILLIPINE SEA (April 22, 2022) Two F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the "Black Aces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41, fly 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.

Italian Navy AV-8B aircraft from GRUPAER in flight.

Mirage 2000 aircraft of the French Navy and F/A-18C Hornet aircraft fly in formation over the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) during the joint U.S./French naval exercise DASIX LAFAYETTE. Subject Operation/Series: DASIX LAFAYETTE Country: Mediterranean Sea(MED)

A Hungarian Air Force JAS-39 Gripen over Lithuania.

U.S. Navy fighter pilots from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122 West Coast Rhino Demonstration Team out of Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif., showcase the power and capabilities of the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet during Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska July 31, 2022. The Super Hornet is the second major model upgrade since the inception of the F/A-18 aircraft program.

A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 50th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron prepares to refuel a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon during a refueling mission over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Jan. 1, 2022. The KC-135 delivers U.S. Air Forces Central a global reach aerial refueling capability to support joint and partner nation aircraft throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath, flies alongside a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing at RAF Mildenhall, during a refueling mission over the North Sea, May 25, 2022. Several 501st Combat Support Wing 2021 Annual Award winners received the opportunity for an incentive flight aboard a KC-135 as it refueled several F-15 and F-35 Lightning II aircraft above the North Sea.

220521-N-EV253-1871 HILLSBORO, Ore. (May 21, 2022) - Lt. Amanda Lee, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106s Rhino Demo Team, maneuvers an F/A-18E Super Hornet at the 2022 Oregon International Air Show in Hillsboro, Oregon, May 21. During the show, more than 100,000 attendees were able to observe and interact with an all-women team of U.S. Navy aviators and crew, and view Navy aircraft including the F-35C Lightning II, CMV-22 Osprey, EA-18G Growler, F/A-18E Super Hornet, C-2A Greyhound, EP-3E Aries II, and MH-60S and MH-60R Seahawk helicopters.

An F-15 Eagle from the 67th Fighter Squadron in Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, flies over the Pacific Ocean in formation with two F-22 Raptor's from Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, during a training mission.

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

Three Italian Air Force EF2000 aircraft in flight over the Mediterranean.

DF-SC-88-08408. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Ein Eurofighter Mehrzweckkampfflugzeug der Luftwaffe Bundeswehr. Aufgenommen im Rahmen der Uebung Rapid Viking 2023 in Island. Keflavik, 03.08.2023

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 493rd Fighter Squadron takes off at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Oct. 19, 2022. The F-35 is a fifth-generation fighter that features advanced stealth, sensor fusion and logistics support capabilities, which provide increased survivability in an advanced threat environment.

Aerial view of an F-16 Fighting Falcon in flight

A Moroccan F-16 fighter jet participated in a training exercise with partner nations to demonstrate the capabilities of multinational armies working together simultaneously in a combined arms live-fire mission during African Lion 22, June 28, 2022. African Lion 22 is U.S. Africa Command's largest, premier, joint, combined annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia, June 6 - 30. More than 7,500 participants from 28 nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner-nation forces. AL22 is a joint all-domain, multi-component, and multinational exercise, employing a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperadurbility among participants and set the theater for strategic access.

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