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Military Aircraft in Action

Dynamic images of various military aircraft, including F-16s and F/A-18s, captured in flight showcasing their designs against blue skies.

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

A pair of F-15Cs, assigned to the Oregon Air National Guards 142nd Wing, Portland Air National Guard base, perform several flybys at the Oregon International Airshow in McMinnville, Ore., Aug. 20, 2022. The Oregon Air National Guard maintains two flying wings, one co-located at the Portland International Airport, and the 173rd Fighter Wing, an F-15 training unit, is located in Klamath Falls.

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.

U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 495th Fighter Squadron from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, fly overhead before landing for Tactical Leadership Programme 22-3 at Los Llanos Air Base, Spain, Sept. 15, 2022. This marks the first time USAFE based F-35s have attended TLP, showcasing the capabilities of the fifth-generation fighter to NATO allies.

An aerial view of a US Air Force F-15C Eagle aircraft from the 493rd Fighter Squadron, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom. Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

Medium shot, front view, an F-15E Strike Eagle, 4th Fighter Wing, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, South Carolina prepares for take-off from Dhahran Air Base, Saudi Arabia. The missions were flown to protect the No-Fly Zone over Irag. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: Dhahran Air Base Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

PHILIPPINE SEA (June 4, 2022) Aircraft, assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, 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.

030528-F-7709A-018. Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

A formation of Turkish Air Force F-16C/D aircraft.

Turkish Air Force F-16 in flight over Turkey.

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15J Eagle aircraft with the 305th Tactical Fighter Squadron soars overhead during exercise Keen Sword 2023 at Japan Air Self-Defense Force Nyutabaru Air Base, Japan, Nov. 14, 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.

Under the direction of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), an F-15 assigned to the Massachusetts Air National Guard flies behind a KC-135 assigned to the Pennsylvania Air National Guard during air-defense Operation NOBLE DEFENDER, Oct. 27, 2022. Operation NOBLE DEFENDER is a long-planned NORAD exercise that validates the commands capability to defend Canada and the United States from every avenue of approach. The Continental U.S. NORAD Region (CONR) led this iteration of OND and coordinated and conducted combined operations, while concurrently launching aircraft from different locations across the northeast coast of the United States. F-15 and KC-135 aircraft from CONR and CF-18 aircraft from the Canadian NORAD Region participated in the operation. NORAD is a bi-national Canadian and U.S. command that employs a network of aerial, ground-based, and space-based sensors, air-to-air refueling tankers, and fighter aircraft controlled by a sophisticated command and control

Israeli Air Force F-16C Barak taking off from Ovda Air Base, Israel.

A pair of Hungarian Air Force JAS-39 Gripen over Lithuania.

120108-N-OY799-069ARABIAN SEA (Jan. 8, 2012) An F/A-18F Super Hornet from the Black Aces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41 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 U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 stationed at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, and an FG-1D Corsair fly in a U.S. Navy Legacy Flight formation during the 2022 Atlantic City Airshow at Atlantic City, New Jersey, Aug. 24, 2022. (New Jersey National Guard photo by Mark C. Olsen)

A Royal Air Force FGR-4 Typhoon takes off at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 11, 2024 in preparation for Red Flag-Nellis 24-1. This Red Flag will provide more complex realistic scenarios concentrated on warfighting in the Indo-Pacific theater.

F/A-18s assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 Silver Eagles from Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, fly in formation during an aerial refueling operation off the coast of North Carolina following Exercise Razor Talon May 19, 2022. The Silver Eagles were aerial refueled on their way back to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.

The U.S. Air Force F-35 Demo Team flies at the 187th Fighter Wings Family day at Dannelly Field in Montgomery, Alabama on Feb. 10, 2024. (Alabama National Guard

040424-F-4815B-036. Base: March Air Reserve Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020806-F-7823A-006. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Hellenic Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 115 Combat Wing splits off from a pair of U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron following a training mission during exercise Poseidon's Rage 22 at Souda Air Base, Greece, July 11, 2022. PR22 is designed to bolster readiness and interoperability between the U.S. and Hellenic Air Forces by demonstrating localized air superiority.

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons aircraft, assigned to the 179th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, carries out aerial operations in the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility, May 2, 2022. The 179th EFS delivers airpower and showcases U.S. commitment to deterrence and regional stability.

011227-F-6184M-001. State: Tennessee (TN) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 3rd Wing conducts a training sortie above Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 19, 2022. This year marks the F-22s 25th anniversary of consistently providing America and its allies with fifth-generation air superiority.

020206-F-1631A-006. Base: Zaragosa Air Base Country: Spain (ESP) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 arrive at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, May 17, 2022. Following successful completion of Exercise RED FLAG 22-1, VMFA-242 achieved full operational capability, allowing them to execute a full set of missions as an F-35B Lightning II squadron.

060417-N-9079D-113. Base: USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)

030914-F-5040D-006. Base: Mountain Home Air Force Base State: Idaho (ID) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 199th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron flies over Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, during Agile Combat Employment training, June 17, 2022. The 199th EFS traveled to Iwakuni for an ACE training event, during which the unit is assigned to the 354th Air Expeditionary Wing and integrated with the 356th EFS to refine fifth generation integration tactics, techniques and procedures.

A pair of F-15Cs, assigned to the Oregon Air National Guards 142nd Wing, Portland Air National Guard base, perform several flybys at the Oregon International Airshow in McMinnville, Ore., Aug. 20, 2022. The Oregon Air National Guard maintains two flying wings, one co-located at the Portland International Airport, and the 173rd Fighter Wing, an F-15 training unit, is located in Klamath Falls.

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15MJ takes off during Cope North 24 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 20, 2024. Allies and partners train together during the multilateral exercise, Cope North 24, to improve shared tactics and multilateral defense capabilities. Marine Corps

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

040422-F-7823A-005. Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 501 and U.S. Airmen with 159th Fighter Wing fly F-35B Lightning II and F-15C Eagle fighter jets over Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, Louisiana, Oct. 26, 2022. VMFAT-501 deployed to NAS JRB New Orleans to increase entry-level pilots' proficiency in offensive-air support, electronic warfare, and routine flight operations for their future fleet assignments. VMFAT-501 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" perform a series of demonstrations during the Fort Lauderdale Airshow April 29 - May 1, 2022, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This was the teams first beach show of the season.

Two Hellenic Air Force F-16s fly in formation with a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron during a Bomber Task Force mission in Greece, March 22, 2023. Bomber Task Force missions demonstrate the credibility of our forces to address a global security environment that is more diverse and uncertain than at any other time in recent history.

011020-F-6184S-020. Base: Sheppard Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force F-16 with several mission markings below the cockpit.

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors from the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron arrived at Leeuwarden Air Base, Netherlands to conduct agile combat employment (ACE) and integrate with the Royal Netherlands Air Force, Oct. 16, 2022. This integration marks the first time in history that USAF F-22 Raptors have operated out of the Netherlands and highlights the importance of our shared commitment to defend NATO territory. Continued collaboration and integration on ACE alongside our RNLAF counterparts and other NATO Allies improves the resilience and survivability of coalition airpower.

Royal Moroccan Air Force F-16 Block 52+ aircraft flying above Morocco.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds perform during the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 30, 2022. The Thunderbirds have the honor of representing nearly 700,000 active duty, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and civilian Airmen across America and deployed around the world.

An F/A-18 Hornet flies above the flight line 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.

A German Air Force F-4F Phantom II prepares for landing.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Kristen Beo” Wolfe, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team Commander with the 388th Fighter Wing, flies over the crowd during the Warriors Over the Wasatch Air and Space Show on June 25, 2022 at Hill Air Force Base, Utah.

A Luftwaffe Tornado ECR over northern Germany during fueling training with a KC-135R of the 100th ARW, United States Air Force Europe.

A Spanish Air Force EF-18M Hornet taking off.

U.S. Air Force 14th Fighter Squadron flies an F-16 Fighting Falcon during an aerial demonstration in support of Range Day at Draughon Range near Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 28, 2022. This was the first Pacific Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon demonstration flight at Misawa Range Day since the demo team was in 1995.

BALTIMORE (Sept. 9, 2022) Two F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets flyover over Baltimore Inner Harbor during Maryland Fleet Week. Maryland Fleet Week and Flyover is Baltimore's celebration of the sea services, and provides an opportunity for the local community and Maryland visitors to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as see firsthand the latest capabilities of today's maritime services.

To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the United States Air Force, a historic P-51 Mustang from 1941 flew in formation with F-16s from the 149th Fighter Wing at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Sept. 10, 2022. This WWII era plane was originally flown by Chuck Yeager who shot down 12 Nazi aircraft during the war.

060310-N-2838C-031. Base: USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Scene Major Command Shown: USS Theodore Roosevelt

Republic of Korea (ROK) Air Force KAI T-50 Golden Eagles assigned to the 53rd Air Demonstration Group, Black Eagles, depart to practice a routine above Kunsan Air Base, ROK, Sept. 28, 2022. An aerial demonstration team can fly as close as 18 inches apart during a show.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Alex Hill, 79th Expeditionary Fighting Squadron F-16CM Fighting Falcon pilot, takes off during Operation Agile Spartan III at an undisclosed location, September 7, 2022. The 79th EFS projects airpower across their area of responsibility, supporting coalition aircraft and strengthening resolve in the region.

An Israeli Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon in flight, Andravida, Greece.

041011-N-7559C-001. Base: Kaneohe Bay State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

General Dynamics F-16s, belonging to the transition and conversion department (TCA), at the Leeuwarden airbase.

DN-SN-89-03439. Country: Unknown

A US Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier Launches into the Sky Above Al Asad Air Base in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq

An air-to-air right rear view of a 70th Tactical Fighter Squadron F-4 Phantom II aircraft, carrying an electronic countermeasures pod, in flight during exercise Copper Flag, one of the final missions to be flown by Phantoms assigned to the squadron. Subject Operation/Series: COPPER FLAG State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" perform a high show demonstration during the Sun n Fun airshow April 9, 2022, in Lakeland, Florida. This was the teams first civilian airshow of the season.

PACIFIC OCEAN (June 22, 2022) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the "Tophatters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14, flies over the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet.

021115-F-4177H-009. Base: RAF Lakenheath Country: United Kingdom (GBR)

A US Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet Expends Flares

A Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32) F-14A Tomcat aircraft is silhouetted against the sun while in-flight during Operation Desert Storm. VF-32 is based aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

Maj. Eric Tise, opposing solo pilot for the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds, performs maneuvers in No. 6 jet during the Cleveland National Air Show at Cleveland, Ohio, Sept. 2, 2023. The Thunderbirds aim to strengthen morale and support community relations by executing difficult aerial performances during airshows and other events. The Thunderbirds headlined the three-day event to demonstrate the pride, precision, and professionalism of nearly 700,000 Total Force Airmen across the globe.

021216-F-7449W-004. Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: 52d FW

An F-15C Eagle flies over Muniz Air National Guard Base in Carolina, Puerto Rico in support of North American Aerospace Defense Commands (NORAD) Operation Noble Defender (OND), 27 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 sophisticated command and c

PHILIPPINE SEA (May 7, 2022) An F-35C Lightning II, assigned to the "Black Knights" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, flies 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.

Pilot climbs into a Bulgarian Air Force MiG-29 during sunset at Graf Ignatievo Air Base, Bulgaria.

An Israeli Air Force F-16C Barak taking off.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" perform their demonstration at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida, March 31 - April 2, 2023. The Thunderbirds headlined the Wings Over Homestead Air Show with the mission to recruit, retain, and inspire American communities.

DF-SC-88-08428. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) 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.

Israeli Air Force F-16I Sufa prepares for landing at Hatzerim Airbase, Israel.

020206-F-1631A-002. Base: Zaragosa Air Base Country: Spain (ESP) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 3rd Wing takes off from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport during Polar Force 22-4 in Anchorage, Alaska, April 7, 2022. The F-22 performs both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, making it a vital tool to the 21st Century Air Force. The F-22's characteristics provide synergistic effects, increasing lethality against all advanced air threats.

061015-N-9500T-008. Base: Marine Corps Air Station,Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

April 8, 2011 - A Royal Air Force Panavia Tornado GR4 armed with Brimstone missiles and laser-guided bombs shortly before entering Libyan airspace for a close air support mission in support of Operation Unified Protector over the Mediterranean Sea close to Libya.

Photo reportage of a demonstration flight with a General Dynamics F-16A with Captain Flyer G. Booij for a Vara television crew.

DF-ST-89-05862. Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An A-10C Thunderbolt II Aircraft from the 175th Wing, Maryland Air National Guard conducts a fly over during DV-Day as part of Exercise Swift Response on May 12, 2022, at Krivolak Training Area, North Macedonia. Exercise Swift Response 2022 is an annual multinational training exercise, which takes place in Eastern Europe, the Arctic High North, Baltics and Balkans from May 2-22, 2022.

An Italian Navy Av-8B Harrier II prepares for landing.

030505-M-7120M-351. Base: Marine Corps Air Station,Iwakuni Country: Japan (JPN)

Two silhouetted U.S. Air Force pilots taxi in a T-38 down the runway after a flight at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, on June 23, 2022. Laughlin AFB employs the T-38s as an introduction to fighter fundamentals for student pilots.

DF-ST-89-09854. Base: Raf Holbeach Range Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

030412-F-3715H-024. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

F-16 Fighting Falcons prepare to launch a mission

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer.

Norway, Brekstadt, 04-03-09. F16 from the Portuguese increases.

The U.S. Navy West Coast Rhino F-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.

A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots compete in Hawgsmoke 2022 at Saylor Creek in Idaho, Sept 8, 2022. Hawgsmoke is a biennial USAF bombing, missile, and tactical gunnery competition for A-10 Thunderbolt II units which provides unique training.

An A-10C aircraft of the Maryland Air National Guard.

An US Navy (USN) F/A-18C Hornet aircraft from Fighter Attack Squadron Three Four (VFA-34) releases countermeasure flares during an air-power demonstration conducted over the Mediterranean Sea, for the Hungarian Minister of Defense, who is visiting aboard the USN NIMITZ CLASS: Aircraft Carrier USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) (not shown). (Duplicate image, see also DNSD0313084 or search 001028N6967M501). Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 3rd Wing takes off from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport during Polar Force 22-4 in Anchorage, Alaska, April 7, 2022. The F-22 performs both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, making it a vital tool to the 21st Century Air Force. The F-22's characteristics provide synergistic effects, increasing lethality against all advanced air threats.

020121-F-1851B-003. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

DF-ST-87-13339. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '85 Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

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

030214-F-9528H-016. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

Front view of three improved Hawk Missiles on a launcher.

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

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