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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.

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 (WSINT) exercise at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Dec. 5, 2022. WSINT provides personnel further exposure into a joint environment to ensure readiness and increase lethality.

An F-16M Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 84th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, takes off during Rattlesnake Rodeo, the Force Development Evaluation exercise, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Sept. 9, 2022. The focus for this years exercise is the integration of a new Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar along with multiple software and hardware upgrades within operationally relevant test scenarios.

An F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 20th Fighter Wing, Shaw Air Force Base (AFB), takes off for Red Flag-Nellis 24-1 mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 16, 2024. Red Flag is an opportunity to enhance the readiness and training necessary to respond as a joint force to any potential crisis or challenge across the globe.

Four F/A-18A Hornet Aircrafts flying during training flight, Cecil Field Naval Air Station, Florida, USA

Two US Marine Corps AV-8B Harriers Fly Above the Clouds and the Desert of Iraq's Anbar Province After Refueling

A F-14 Tomcat from Fighter Squadron Thirty-Two (VF-32), "Swordsmen", takes to flight during COMTUEX, Comprehensive Training Unit Exercise, while stationed on board USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). COMTUEX is designed to bring the aircraft carrier/carrier air wing team together as a cohesive fighting unit while giving the team "blue water" certification for operating at sea. Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Country: Caribbean Sea

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon with the 177th Fighter Wing flies behind a 108th Wing KC-135R Stratotanker during a refueling mission over the Atlantic Ocean on April 21, 2022. The 108th Wing's principal mission is air refueling for Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps aircraft as well as aircraft of allied nations.

An F-15D Eagle assigned to the 67th Fighter Squadron takes off for RED FLAG-Alaska at Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 15, 2022. RED FLAG-Alaska is a Pacific Air Forces directed field training exercise focused on improving the combat readiness of U.S. and international forces and provides training for units preparing for air and space expeditionary force tasking.

Two US Air Force F-16CJ Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the 522nd Fighter Squadron (FS), 27th Fighter Wing (FW) fly a mission in support of Exercise NORTHERN EDGE 2002. The aircraft carry AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles and SN/1387 Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP). (Substandard image). Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE 2002 Country: United States Of America (USA)

An air-to-air left side view of an F-4G Wild Weasel Phantom II aircraft from the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing. The aircraft is armed with two AGM-88 high-speed anti-radiation missile (HARM) missiles, outboard stations, and two AGM-65A Maverick missiles, inb. Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An air-to-air left side view of a Marine Corps F-5 Tiger II aircraft, foreground, and a Navy F-14 Tomcat aircraft. Country: Unknown

A fully loaded F-15 Eagle from the Massachusetts Air National Guard breaks hard to the left and releases a flare during a training mission.

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.

An F-35B Lightning II with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, California, conducts an aerial demonstration during the 2022 MCAS Air Show at MCAS Miramar, Sept. 24, 2022. The F-35B Lightning II, flown by aviators with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 502, is equipped with short takeoff and vertical landing capability that expands its range by allowing it to operate from naval vessels and in austere, expeditionary environments. 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.

060330-F-2295B-172. State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SC-88-05751. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

971016-F-0024F-011. Base: RAF Mildenhall Country: Great Britain / England (GBR)

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

Air to air of two F-16 fighers from the 510th Fighter Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy fly in formation with a German Air Force MIG 29 off the coast of Sardina during a joint training exercise in Decimommanu, Sardina. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

A Royal Canadian Air Force CF-188A prepares for landing.

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

DF-ST-85-03174. Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force Maj. Kristin Wolfe, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team commander and pilot, showcases the unique aerial capabilities of the USAFs most advanced 5th generation multi-role stealth fighter, the F-35A, 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.

020508-F-4814D-071. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Country: Unknown

DF-ST-86-12399. Country: Spain (ESP)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Kristin Wolfe, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team commander and pilot, showcases the unique aerial capabilities of the USAFs most advanced 5th generation multi-role stealth fighter, the F-35A, 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.

DF-SC-85-01747. Country: Unknown

Two F-16C Fighting Falcon Block 52 aircraft's from the 157th Fighter Squadron, 169th Fighter Wing, McEntire Air National Guard Station, South Carolina, in flight. The aircraft's are armed with AGM-88 HARM's (high-speed anti-radiation missile) and AIM-120 AMRAAM's (advanced medium-range air-to-air missile). Country: Unknown

A 171th Tactical Fighter Wing F-16A Fighting Falcon aircraft refuels from a KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft as another F-16A waits its turn for refueling. The aircraft are enroute to Eglin Air Force Base during the multi-service exercise Solid Shield '87. Subject Operation/Series: SOLID SHIELD '87 State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Two F-22 Raptors from the 3rd Wing at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, conduct approach training March 24, 2016. The F-22 is the Air Forces premium fifth-generation fighter asset.

An aerial view of a four-ship wedge formation of US Air Force F-16C Falcon aircraft from the 8th Fighter Wing "Wolf Pack", Kunsan AB, Republic of Korea. The aircraft are armed with AGM-88 HARMs (high-speed antiradiation missiles), AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles and AIM-120 AMRAAMs (advanced medium-range air-to-air missile). Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

Two F-16s in Flight

A Swiss Air Force F/A-18 jet turns away after flying alongside the plane carrying U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry from Rome, Italy, to Brussels, Belgium, as it flew over Switzerland on June 27, 2016.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron, conducts a strafing run over the Nevada Test and Training Range, Nevada, Sept. 15, 2022. The A-10 Thunderbolt II offers excellent maneuverability at low airspeeds and altitude while maintaining a highly accurate weapons-delivery platform.

DF-SD-07-25427. Base: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force F-16C turns on to final approach at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.

011107-F-5795G-017. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

DF-ST-84-02614. Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. David Eaglin, left, 18th Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Ronnie Woods, 18th Wing command chief, take off in an F-15D Eagle assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 21, 2023. In honor of his time at Kadena, Woods experienced, first-hand, training that enables Airmen to maintain Kadenas status as the Keystone of the Pacific.

DF-ST-87-05167. Country: Unknown

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.

The F-22 Demonstration Team touches down at Patrick Space Force Base, Fla., May 19, 2022. The demo team performed at the Space Coast International Air Show in Titusville, Fla.

Two Royal Air Force Typhoons assigned to No. 6 Squadron from Royal Air Force Leachare, United Kingdom, fly over the Nevada Test and Training Range during Red Flag 14-1 Feb. 6 2014. Red Flag 14-1 is hosted at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., and involves the air power of the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, the Royal Australian Air Force, and the RAF. More than 30 countries have participated directly in a Red Flag exercise..

020222-F-9232S-017. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE Base: Selfridge Air Natl Guard Base State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-89-09021. State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Royal Thai Air Force F-16 during Exercise Cope Tiger 2017.

An F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to the Blacklions” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213 conducts a fly by during USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) friends and family day cruise, June 25, 2022. Friends and family members were invited aboard Ford to experience a day in the life of a Sailor at sea first-hand.

An F-16C Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft of the 363rd Tactical Fighter Wing, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., takes off for a mission in support of Operation Desert Storm. The aircraft is armed with bombs mounted under the wings, and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles on its wing tips.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Saudi Arabia(SAU)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Kristin Wolfe, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team commander and pilot, showcases the unique aerial capabilities of the USAFs most advanced 5th generation multi-role stealth fighter, the F-35A, during Wings Over Solano at Travis Air Force Base, California, May 15, 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.

A German GR1 Tornado high speed attack aircraft receives fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135R tanker. The tanker is using a modified boom with a drogue receptacle to service the aircraft. The tanker and crew is assigned to the 912th ARS from Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota, on temporary assignment to the European Tanker Task Force at RAF Mildenhall, England. Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

A Pakistan Air Force F-16D Fighting Falcon.

DF-ST-99-04863. Base: Luke Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Byron Sullivan, commanding officer, Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron (VMX) 1 , flies an F-35B Lightning II during operation OBSIDIAN ICEBERG en route to Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, May 25, 2022. OBSIDIAN ICEBERG is an Expeditionary Advanced Base Operation exercise designed to develop emerging tactics to ensure the Marine Corps is war fighting ready and lethal.

220610-N-BR419-2089 PHILIPPINE SEA (June 10, 2022) An F/A-18E Super Hornet attached to the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 flies over the flight deck of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). The Royal Maces conduct carrier-based air strike and strike force escort missions, and ship, battle group, and intelligence collection operations. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

Air-to-air left side view of two F-15 Eagle aircraft of the 43rd Tactical Fighter Squadron, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. Country: Unknown

An air to air overhead view of three US Air Force F-4s from the 561st Fighter Wing, Nellis AFB, NV, in formation over the Mediterranean Sea and Saudi Arabia during the operation.(Exact date unknown). Subject Operation/Series: VIGILANT WARRIOR Base: Moron Country: Spain (ESP)

An air-to-air right side view of a Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 321 (VMFA-321) F/A-18A Hornet aircraft in formation returning to Naval Air Station, Fallon, after a close sir support training mission. The reserve squadron is at Fallon for two weeks of active duty training at the Naval Air Warfare Center target complex. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon takes off from Misawa Air Base, Japan, April 1, 2022. F-16s from the 35th Fighter Wing, Misawa, integrated with U.S. Navy EA-18 Growlers in order to rehearse multi-domain joint mission, increasing interoperability, and strengthening collective lethality. These types of missions are opportunities for Pacific Air Forces units to perform routine, joint integration to assure regional allies and partners of continued U.S. support for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

011113-F-1718K-023. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH 02-1 Base: Kadena Air Base State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: PACOM JASDF

DN-SC-04-08944. Base: San Clemente State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-89-01719. Country: West Germany (FRG)

111017-N-RJ456-317 ARABIAN SEA (Oct. 17, 2011) Two F/A-18C Hornets assigned to the Golden Dragons of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 192 fly over the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) to show support for the upcoming Army/Navy football game. John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and support missions as part of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.

220807-N-CH260-1880 PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 7, 2022) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the Vigilantes” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, flies alongside the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during an air power demonstration for embarked guests. The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet.

An Air Force F-16 Falcon” aircraft, assigned to the 115th Fighter Wing, Wisconsin Air National Guard, follows a KC-135 Stratotanker” aircraft, assigned to the 171st Air Refueling Wing, Pennsylvania Air National Guard, to perform a routine aerial refueling training mission on July 28, 2021, near St. Louis, Missouri.

An air-to-air right side view of an F-16A Fighting Falcon aircraft carrying an AIM-9J Sidewinder missile. The aircraft is assigned to the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing. Country: Unknown

A Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32) F-14A Tomcat aircraft passes over the Saudi desert while on a training flight during Operation Desert Shield. VF-32 is based aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67), which is operating in the Red Sea. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

Three U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagles assigned to the 67th Fighter Squadron fly over Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, Australia, during Exercise Pitch Black 2022 Sept. 7, 2022. Pitch Black 22 is a model opportunity for expanding engagements with allies and partners across the globe, demonstrating the resolve to promote security and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

A pair of F-15 Eagles with the 159th Fighter Wing out of Louisiana fly beside a KC-135 Stratotanker with the 914th Air Refueling Wing, New York, July 10, 2022, over the Southeastern United States. The 159th Fighter Wing is nicknamed the Bayou Militia, displayed on both F-15s tails.

Medium long shot, left side view, (Extreme long shot, second aircraft), two F-15C Eagles from the 1ST Fighter Wing (aircraft has FF tail letters), Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, simultaneously launch two (one from each aircraft) AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missiles, somewhere over the Gulf of Mexico, 4 February 1999. Exercise Combat Archer, Tyndall AFB, Florida. Subject Operation/Series: COMBAT ARCHER Country: Gulf Of Mexico

An F-14A Tomcat aircraft makes the final approach before landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

021008-F-7709A-011. State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

221016-N-ZG822-1505 ADRIATIC SEA (Oct. 16, 2022) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, lands aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) during the NATO-led vigilance activity Neptune Strike 22.2 (NEST 22.2), in the Adriatic Sea, Oct. 16, 2022. NEST 22.2 is the natural evolution of NATO's ability to integrate the high-end maritime warfare capabilities of a carrier strike group to support the defense of the alliance in Europe.

Illustration of F-22 Raptor fighter jets on patrol at sunset.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Joshua "Cabo" Gunderson, commander of the Air Combat Command F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team from Langley Air Force Base, Hampton, Va., performs during the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 31, 2022. The team flies at airshows around the globe, performing maneuvers that demonstrate the capabilities of the fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

040819-F-7979S-009. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: Suffolk Country: United Kingdom (GBR)

DF-ST-89-04310. Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

Formation of Dassault Rafale jet fighters during a NATO exercise by the French airforce

U.S. Air Force Capt. Aimee Fiedler, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team commander and pilot, performs aerial maneuvers in a F-16 Fighting Falcon 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.

A T-38 Talon flies in formation with the B-2 Spirit of South Carolina during a training mission Feb. 20, 2014, over Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. The B-2 Spirit is a multirole bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions.

A formation of U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagles from the 173rd Fighter Wing fly over Klamath Falls, Oregon, June 25, 2022. The F-15s flew an air power demonstration as part of the Sentry Eagle Open House and Airshow held at Kingsley Field Air National Guard base.

020419-F-6655M-002. State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air National Guard

040422-F-7823A-008. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets fly within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility during exercise Juniper Oak, Jan, 25, 2023. Juniper Oak is a large-scale bilateral multi-domain military exercise aimed to enhance interoperability between U.S. and Israeli armed forces contributing to integrated regional security.

Three Italian Air Force EF2000 aircraft fly in formation over the Mediterranean.

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles taxi on the flight line in preparation for mission operations during exercise Gunfighter Flag 23-1 at Mountain Home Air Force Base, ID, October 18, 2022. Gunfighter Flag demonstrates the need for our force to be able to rapidly embed, establish logistics and communications within a theaters command and control hub, receive follow-on forces, continue to generate the mission and project combat power across all domains.

An F-35A Lightning II takes off at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Feb. 1, 2019. Pilots and maintainers from the 388th Fighter Wing's 4th Fighter Squadron and 4th Aircraft Maintenance Unit are participating in exercise Red Flag 19-1. This is the wing's second Red Flag with the F-35A, America's most advanced multi-role fighter, which brings game-changing stealth, lethality and interoperability to the modern battlefield.

PHILIPPINE SEA (Oct. 28, 2020) An EA-18G Growler attached to the Shadowhawks of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141 takes off from the flight deck of the Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) during Keen Sword 21. Keen Sword is an example of the strength of U.S.-Japan Alliance, the foundation of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region for almost 60 years. The relationships built and maintained during these events are critical to our shared capability to respond to contingencies at a moments notice.

Royal Thai Air Force F-16 during Exercise Cope Tiger 2016.

U.S. Air Force Captain Kristin BEO Wolfe, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team Commander, flies during a demonstration at the Oregon International Airshow in McMinnville, Ore., Aug. 20, 2022. The F-35 Demo team travels around the United States and around the world, showcasing the worlds most technologically advanced fifth-generation fighter jet.

Three F-16's stationed at the 162nd Fighter Wing in Tucson, Arizona fly in formation during a training mission.

060922-N-5555T-002. Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

010726-F-9032T-002. Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

A Royal Saudi Air Force F-15C Eagle during Exercise Anatolian Eagle.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 36th Fighter Squadron takes off as part of a familiarization flight for Dr. Victoria Coleman, USAF Chief Scientist, at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 23, 2022. The 36th FS provided Coleman with a familiarization flight to display the capabilities of the F-16 and to showcase how they execute their mission in defense of the ROK and U.S. interests.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 80th Fighter Squadron takes off from the flightline at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Nov. 18, 2022. Kunsans fighter fleet plays a role in keeping the Indo-Pacific theater free and open through taking on a multi-role position employing air-to-ground and air-to-air.

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