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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.

Nine F-14A Tomcat aircraft from Fighter Squadron 84 (VF-84) fly in formation near the Virginia coastline as the squadrons of Carrier Air Wing 8 (CVW-8) return to their home bases after a deployment aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71). During that deployment, CVW-8 and the ROOSEVELT took part in Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm and Provide Comfort.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORMDESERT SHIELDPROVIDE COMFORT Country: Atlantic Ocean(AOC)

F-16C Fighting Falcon flying above Arizona's Meteor Crater. The F-16C Fighting Falcon is the flagship of the 310th Fighter Squadron Top Hats.

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" practice their act in preparation for the Shaw Air & Space Expo at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, April 1, 2022. Although the Thunderbirds fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the team is made up of pilots with backgrounds in the F-35 Lightning II, F-22 Raptor, F-15 Eagle fighter jets and even the A-10 Thunderbolt II in addition to the F-16.

A Strike Fighter Squadron 127 (VFA-127) F-5E Tiger II aircraft flies out on a training mission during which it will simulate air combat maneuvers to train air crews of Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17) in threat maneuvers. The aircraft is painted in a camouflage paint scheme and exhibits the Iranian national insignia. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the "Thunderbirds", perform in front of thousands of spectators at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, April 2, 2022. This was the team's second show of the season.

A right side view of a US Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft of the 31st Fighter Wing as it takes off for a mission in support of NATO airstrikes against the Bosnian Serbs. Subject Operation/Series: DELIBERATE FORCE Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

DN-SN-89-04661. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER Base: Naval Air Station, Cubi Point Country: Philippines (PHL)

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron flies 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/A-18 Hornet aircraft assigned to the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division's Strike Aircraft Test Directorate, released the first in a series of jettison tests to be conducted on the new Joint Standoff Weapon during test over the Chesapeake Test Range. The aircraft is piloted by LT. Hal Hinson. Base: Naval Air Station Patuxent River State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors assigned to the 3rd Wing fly over Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, during Polar Force 22-4, April 1, 2022. This is the first Polar Force to be led by the 3rd Wing, with the primary focus on developing Agile Combat Employment and the U.S. Pacific Air Forces ability to fight in a contested, anti-access area denial environment. Operationalizing readiness-enhancing concepts like ACE is critical to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Joshua 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 30, 2022. The team flies at air shows around the globe, performing maneuvers that demonstrate the capabilities of the fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

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.

An F-15E Strike Eagle deploys countermeasure flares Nov. 12 over Afghanistan. The aircraft is assigned to the 391st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.

060701-N-0641S-171. Base: Pearl Harbor State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An EF-18 Hornet of the Spanish Air Force in flight over Florennes, Belgium.

A General Dynamics F-16A with Aim-Sidewinder armament.

Three F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft assigned to the 366th Fighter Wing, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, prepare for approach at Royal Air Force Mildenahall, England, Oct. 3, 2022. The aircraft were a part of a deployment swap to an undisclosed location in southwest Asia. RAF Mildenhall hosts transient aircraft throughout the year which allows the Expeditionary Air Force to deploy around the globe at a moments notice.

Three F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft assigned to the 366th Fighter Wing, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, prepare for approach at Royal Air Force Mildenahall, England, Oct. 3, 2022. The aircraft were a part of a deployment swap to an undisclosed location in southwest Asia. RAF Mildenhall hosts transient aircraft throughout the year which allows the Expeditionary Air Force to deploy around the globe at a moments notice.

DN-SC-87-09364. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DF-SC-87-02088. Country: Unknown

An F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft of the 14th Fighter Squadron flies over the coastline near Misawa Air Base. The aircraft is armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles.. Country: Japan(JPN)

North Arabian Gulf, October 17, 2005 - An F-14D Tomcat of VF-31 Tomcatters (Carrier Air Wing 8) comes in for an arrested landing on the flight deck of USS Theodore Roosevelt in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

United States Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornets lined up at Kuantan Air Base, Malaysia.

A model of a U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon is silhouetted against the sunrise as seen from Atlantic City Air National Guard Base, N.J., home of the New Jersey Air National Guard's 177th Fighter Wing "Jersey Devils," on Oct. 8, 2014.

011129-F-1279W-020. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE Base: Cape Kennedy State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

DF-ST-88-05663. Subject Operation/Series: CORNET PHASER Country: West Germany (FRG)

020225-F-8160Y-051. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Italian Air Force F-2000 armed with bombs and targeting pod.

A left side view of an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft banking to the right during the first two-seater flight. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

060902-N-5588M-024. Base: USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7)

A F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 134th Fighter Squadron of the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing takes off for a training mission during January drill from the Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont, Jan. 6, 2022. The pilots fly regularly to hone their skills and maintain the U.S. Air Force and Major Command requirements and proficiencies.

A close-up front view of a prototype YF-22 Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) aircraft. Country: Unknown

A-4N Skyhawk jet used for contracted target services by NATO, Wittmund, Germany.

030320-F-5712B-022. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

Two Coalition Tornado aircraft just after takeoff during Operation Desert Shield.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia(SAU)

021214-F-2341K-011. State: Minnesota (MN) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

An air-to-air left side view of two F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft banking to the left over Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Country: Unknown

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

F-16 Fighting Falcons from the U.S. and Royal Jordanian air forces, as well as an F-18 Hornet from the U.S. Marine Corps, fly in formation during Exercise Eager Tiger May 13, 2014, over the Dead Sea in Jordan. Hosted annually in Jordan, the exercise allows fighter pilots and maintainers from around the world to exchange knowledge while increasing interoperability and showing their dedication to regional stability.

An Israeli Air Force F-16I Sufa taking off.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 18th Aggressor Squadron takes off from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1, May 2, 2022. The 18th AGRS supports RF-A 22-1 by sharing its knowledge of adversarial tactics, techniques and procedures to participating units, ensuring the United States and its allies receive the best air combat training possible.

Instructor pilots assigned to the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program operate U.S. Air Force T-38C Talon aircraft above Wichita Falls, Texas, July 21, 2022. The ENJJPT program is conducted by the 80th Flying Training Wing and is the world's only multi-nationally manned and managed flying training program chartered to produce combat pilots for NATO.

A F/A-18 Hornet, from Strike Fighter Squadron One Zero Five (VFA-105), "Gunslingers", takes to flight over the Caribbean Sea 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

Snow falls on F-16A Fighting Falcon aircraft of the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadorn sitting on the flight line. The 13th is part of the 432nd Tactical Fighter Wing that was activated in 1984. Base: Naval Air Facility, Misawa State: Aomori Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Josh Gunderson, F-22 Demo Team commander, and Stuart Milson, Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation P-51 Mustang pilot, fly in formation during the Midsouth Airshow, June 17, 2022, in Millington, Tennessee. The Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation highlights U.S. Air Force air power history, and serves as a memorial to those who have served by providing about 60 annual events around the world each year.

DF-ST-89-09815. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

041103-F-5494H-002. Base: Holloman Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

120103-N-OY799-116 ARABIAN SEA (Jan. 3, 2012) A C-2A Greyhound from the Providers of Fleet Logistics Combat Squadron (VRC) 30 launches off 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.

A ground-to-air left underside view of two Mitsubishi-built F-4EJ Phantom II aircraft of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) in formation during joint US Air Force and JASDF Exercise COPE NORTH. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH Base: Naval Air Facility, Misawa State: Aomori Country: Japan (JPN)

BAKU - 26 June 2011 - Miliatary Parade in Baku, Azerbaijan on Army Day

Silhouette of three fighter planes, F-22 Raptors, US Air Force

US Navy VFA-115 Boeing F/A-18C Hornet above the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii

A Japanese Air Self Defense Force T-2 aircraft takes off during the joint U.S./Japanese exercise Cope North '86-3. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH '86-3 Base: Komatsu Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

DN-SN-04-15252. Base: USS Nimitz (CVN 68)

Aerospace control includes missions such as this U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcon, carrying an Aim-9 Sidewinder missile, and Royal Jordanian Air Force F-1 Mirage flying over Iraq. These sorties are designed to gain control over an aerospace environment. Published in AIRMAN Magazine October 1996. Country: Unknown

Military Jets Fixed Wing Boeing Aviat Airplanes Blue Angels USN U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornet flight demonstration squadron aerobatic performance flying team air show

An artist's concept of an F-16N Fighting Falcon aircraft in flight. The F-16N has been selected by the US Navy as its supersonic adversary aircraft and will be used by the Navy Fighter Weapon School (Top Gun) and other squadrons to train Navy and Marine Corps tactical aircrews in air combat. The first F-16N is scheduled for delivery in early 1987. Country: Unknown

An OV-10A Bronco aircraft from the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron banks to the left during a flight out of Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. State: South Carolina(SC) Country: United States Of America(USA)

May 13, 2006 - An F-4 Phantom, P-47 Thunderbolt, F-16 Fighting Falcon and P-51 Mustang fly in a heritage flight formation during the 2006 Defenders of Liberty Airshow at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana.

Su-27SM3 jet fighter of the Russian Air Force landing during Exercise Aviadarts 2018.

McDonnell Douglas F / A-18A Hornet from the Canadian Armed Forces during the Tactical Air Measures (TAM) in Kleine Bröngel, Belgium.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II conduct a flyover during the opening ceremony of the 2022 MLB All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, July 19. (Air Force photo by Madeline Guadarrama)

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.

An F-16 Flighting Falcon assigned to the Pacific Air Forces F-16 Demonstration Team maneuvers over Yokota Air Base, Japan, during a week-long Agile Combat Employment training exercise aimed at enhancing multi-capable Airmens skillset, May 11, 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.

An F-14A Tomcat fighter aircraft from the U.S. Navy "Top Gun" Fighter Weapons School, San Diego, painted like an Iranian fighter for adversary training, makes a visit to the U.S. Air Force Fighter Weapons School. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada(NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Air National Guard A-10 jet during Exercise Air Defender 2023 in Jagel, Germany.

The U.S. Navy West Coast Rhino F/A-18 Superhornet Demo team performs during the Fairchild Skyfest 2022 airshow at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, May 14, 2022. Fairchild Skyfest 2022 included the West Coast Rhino F/A-18 Demo team, showcasing the capabilities of the U.S. Air Forces joint partners in assuring air superiority.

An Israeli Air Force F-16A/B Netz taxiing at Nevatim Air Force Base, Israel.

F-16 Fighting Falcons fly over Floridas Emerald Coast during a design-try-out mission for a new operational flight program software upgrade, Dec. 6, 2012. The newest OFP for Block 40 and 50 model F-16s will be tested developmentally and operationally at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., in 2014. The aircraft are assigned to the 40th Flight Test Squadron and the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron.

020531-F-7709A-009. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040926-F-7787L-003. Base: Unknown

An air-to-air right side view of Fighter Squadron 33 (VF-33) F-14A Tomcat aircraft over the coast of Puerto Rico.. State: Puerto Rico(PR) Country: United States Of America(USA)

Mix formation of jets during Exercise NATO Tiger Meet 2018, Poland.

A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet takes off from Norwegian Air Base Bodø during Exercise Cold Response 2022, March 31, 2022. The Hornet is assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312, 2d Marine Aircraft Wing. Exercise Cold Response 22 is a biennial exercise that takes place across Norway, with participation from each of its military services, as well as from 26 additional North Atlantic Treaty Organization allied nations and regional partners.

Hawk T2 training aircraft of Royal Air Force during training flight in Wales, United Kingdom.

Three F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 64th Aggressor Squadron perform a flyover above Las Vegas, Nevada, in honor of 9/11 on Sept. 11, 2022. The flyover was dedicated to the 2,977 people who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001 and to the more than 6,000 others who were injured.

Air to air left side view of a formation of five F-15 Eagle fighters assigned to and lead by the flag ship of the 405th Tactical Training Wing (TTW) flying over over downtown Phoenix, Arizona. Front to rear the aircraft are assigned to, 461st, and 426th TFTS (Tactical Fighter Training Squadron), 405th TTW, 550th and 555th TFTS, Luke AFB, Arizona. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

A Mirage 50 aircraft of the Chilean air force takes part in a simulated attack on the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) during a joint exercise involving U.S. and Chilean forces. The LINCOLN is underway during its circumnavigation of South America. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

An F/A-18C Hornet aircraft of Strike Fighter Squadron 136 (VFA-136) flies by the Washington Monument. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia(DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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