Military Aircraft in Formation

Dynamic shots of military aircraft flying in formation, showcasing F-16s and F-15s, with dramatic skies emphasizing power and readiness.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 179th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, conducts aerial refueling operations with a KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 50th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, in the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility, April 21, 2022. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that delivers airpower to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

DF-ST-86-12401. Country: Spain (ESP)

Two United States Air Forces Europe F-16Cs fly in formation during a mission in support of NATO Operation Allied Force. The F-16s are from the 510th Fighter Squadron "Buzzards", Aviano Air Base, Italy and are carrying a full air-to-air combat load to include AIM-120 missiles, drop tanks and a electronic jamming pod. The lead F-16 is a single seat F-16CG and has both a laser designating pod as well as a FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared) pod on the intake sides. The second F-16 is a F-16DG and is only capable of carrying the FLIR pod. Both F-16s are flying missions in suport of the ongoing NATO Operation Allied Force. Subject Operation/Series: ALLIED FORCE Country: Unknown

DF-ST-87-12400. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Two U.S. Air Force F-15's from the Louisiana Air National Guard's 159th Fighter Wing fly off the wing of a KC-135 Stratotanker from the Alabama Air National Guard's 117th Air Refueling Wing during North American Aerospace Defense Command's (NORAD) Operation Noble Defender (OND), June 29, 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 s

Lans Stout, a visiting free-lance photographer from Atlantic Beach, Florida, captures pure beauty in flight (OCT 97). Pictured are two F-16 Falcon, Block 52 aircraft (the only such aircraft in the Air National Guard) from the 157th Fighter Squadron and assigned to the 169th Fighter Wing at McEntire ANG Station South Carolina. This photo was used for a picture story in the popular "Code One" magazine. State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Left side view of an F-16 B Model Fighting Falcon aircraft as seen from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, preparing to provide in-flight refueling. The Fighting Falcon, from the 428th Tactical Fighter Squadron, is en route to Hawaii to participate in Exercise Cope Elite. Subject Operation/Series: COPE ELITE Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

An F-16C Falcon from the 52nd Fighter Wing based at Spandahlem AB Germany breaks away from a 100th Air Expeditionary Wing KC-135R Stratotanker (not shown) from RAF Mildenhall United Kingdom on 31 Mar 99. While patroling the skies over Kosovo during Operation Allied Force, it is armed with AIM-120C missiles for self protection and Highspeed Anti Radiation Missiles on the inboard stations to suppress anti-aircraft radar sites. Subject Operation/Series: ALLIED FORCE Base: Raf Mildenhall Country: Great Britain / England (GBR)

A U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, performs aerial refueling operations with an Israel Defense Forces F-16 Barak aircraft within the Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) area of responsibility, May 18, 2022. The United States has an ironclad and enduring partnership with the State of Israel built on shared values, and a bilateral defense relationship that is integral to U.S. strategic interests in the Middle East.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 179th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, conducts aerial refueling operations with a KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 50th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, in the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility, April 21, 2022. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that delivers airpower to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

020419-F-6655M-021. State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air National Guard

Under the direction of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), an F-15 assigned to the Massachusetts Air National Guard conducts air-to-air refueling from 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 sophisticate

221031-F-FF346-A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron prepares to refuel from a KC-10 Extender assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron over an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Oct. 31, 2022. The KC-10 directly supports the CENTCOM Air Tasking Order, bringing the gas to the fight and keep fighter aircraft on target.

Egyptian Air Force F-16 aircraft conduct aerial training operations with U.S. Air Force partners in support of exercise Agile Phoenix within the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility June 29, 2022. Agile Phoenix is a joint agile combat employment exercise focused on enhancing interoperability and ensuring regional security.

A Russian designed MiG-29 fighter flown by German Luftwaffer pilot Lieutenant Colonel (LCOL) Tom Hahn, Squadron Commander (SC) of Germany's (DEV) 73rd Fighter Wing (FW) or "Steinhoff," stays in formation with a US Air Force (USAF) F-15C Eagle piloted by Major (MAJ) Greg Thomas, from the 28th Test Squadron (TS), Nellis Air Force Base (AFB), Nevada, over the state of Florida during a joint training exercise. State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-89-05848. Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An air to air right side view of a US Navy F-14D Tomcat from Fighter Squadron 31 (VF-31), Naval Air Station Miramar, Calif., as it flies a close air support mission during the annual air defense exercise. Subject Operation/Series: ROVING SANDS '95 Base: Roswell State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-88-04700. Base: Hill Air Force Base State: Utah (UT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32) F-14A Tomcat aircraft, foreground, flies alongside a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft while waiting to conduct an in-flight refueling with a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft 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)

DF-ST-87-03772. Country: West Germany (FRG)

Close-up of the air-to-air missiles carried by a French Air Force Mirage 2000C that is performing a Combat Patrol mission while participating in NATO Operation Allied Force. The missiles in the frame are the Super 350 (left) and the R550 Magic 2 air-to-air missile. The Mirage 2000C is refueling from a United States Air Forces Europe KC-135R (not shown) based at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England. The tanker is being flown by a crew deployed from the 384th Air Refueling Squadron, McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. Tankers from RAF Mildenhall make-up a large portion of the tanker forces supporting NATO aircraft during NATO Operation Allied Force. Subject Operation/Series: ALLIED FORCE Country: Unknown

KC-10 Extender F-15E Strike Eagle US Air Force

DN-SC-98-01913. Base: Jacksonville State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Three F-16 Fighting Falcon Block 52 aircraft's from the 157th Fighter Squadron, 169th Fighter Wing, McEntire Air National Guard Station, South Carolina, fly in formation. The aircraft's are armed with AGM-88 HARM's (high-speed anti-radiation missile), AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles and AIM-120 AMRAAM's (advanced medium-range air-to-air missile). Country: Unknown

030908-F-7709A-002. Country: Gulf Of Mexico Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

An air to air left side view of an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft armed with six AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. Attached near the tail of the aircraft is an emergency anti-spin parachute container. Country: Unknown

DN-SC-90-01531. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

image USAF Lockheed F-16C Fighting Falcon Viper over a mountain/desert background

An F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 4th Fighter Wing, approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 91st Air Refueling Squadron over the Northeastern U.S. Aug. 24, 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.

Computer graphics drawing of an F/A-18E/F Hornet aircraft equipped with AGM-123 Laser-Guided Bombs (LGB), AIM -120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. Country: Unknown

DN-SC-90-01364. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32) F-14A Tomcat aircraft refuels from an Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker while another Tomcat flies alongside. The aircraft are flying over Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Unknown

Two F-16C Fighting Falcons assigned to 64th Aggressor Squadron fly back into the training area during a Red Flag-Nellis 22-1 mission Jan. 28, 2022 over the Nevada Test and Training Range. The 64th AGRS played as the Red Force against Blue Forces in training that prioritizes first timers combat missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Alexandre Montes)

Zwei Eurofighter Mehrzweckkampfflugzeuge der Luftwaffe Bundeswehr, aufgenommen aus einem Airbus A400 Transportflugzeug bei der Uebung Rapid Viking 2023. Keflavik Island 03.08.2023

040903-F-1279W-019. Country: Iraq (IRQ)

US Air Force Boeing F-15C of the 1st Fighter Wing Langley AFB VA off the wingtip of a KC-135 of the 141st ARW Fairchild AFB WA

DF-ST-89-00543. Country: Sicily (SIC)

A left underside rear view of an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft banking to the right over Nellis Air Force Base. One AIM-9L Sidewinder, one AIM-9J Sidewinder, one 2,000-lb. Mark 84 bomb and an auxiliary fuel tank are on each wing. AN ALQ-119 electronic countermeasures pod is mounted on the centerline. The aircraft is assigned to the 4th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing. State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Air to air view of two Air Force Reserve F-16 Fighting Falcons flying over the coast of Denmark. The lead F-16 is the flag ship of the 944th Fighter Wing and the wing aircraft is the flag ship of the 302nd Fighter Squadron, both deployed from Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT ENDEAVOR Country: Denmark (DNK)

DF-ST-87-11637. Subject Operation/Series: WILLIAM TELL '86 Country: West Germany (FRG)

Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron - 232 fly F/A-18C Hornets from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, during exercise Forager Fury II, Dec. 5, 2013. VMFA-232 is currently assigned to Marine Aircraft Group - 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, while participating in the unit deployment program. Exercise Forger Fury II Improves the aviation combat readiness of MAG-12 and 1st MAW and simulates operations in a deployed environment.

DF-ST-87-03757. Subject Operation/Series: GUNSMOKE '85 State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Under the direction of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), an F-15 assigned to the Massachusetts Air National Guard conducts air-to-air refueling from 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 sophisticate

980404-F-7910D-011. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Prince Sultan Air Base Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Two F-16 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), AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles and AIM-120 AMRAAM's (advanced medium-range air-to-air missile). Country: Unknown

Under the direction of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), F-15s assigned to the Massachusetts Air National Guard fly in formation with 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 c

DF-ST-87-13355. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '85 Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

A U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the 55th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron carries out aerial operations in the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility April 9, 2022. The 55th EFS delivers airpower and showcases U.S. commitment to deterrence and regional stability.

020930-F-4649H-036. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Two US Air Force F-16CJ Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the 522nd Fighter Squadron (FS), 27th Fighter Wing (FW) files a mission in support of Exercise NORTHERN EDGE 2002. (Substandard image). Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE 2002 Country: United States Of America (USA)

010810-F-7910D-025. Base: Buckley Air Force Base State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AIR NATIONAL GUARD

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor is refueled by a KC-10A Extender aircraft over southwest Asia.

July 16, 2006 - F-15 Eagle aircraft fire AIM-7 Sparrow missiles at a tactical air-launched decoy over Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, during exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2006.

DN-SC-05-02419. Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

060701-N-0641S-170. Base: Pearl Harbor State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

US Navy Grumman EA-6B Prowler electronic warfare aircraft over the Pacific Ocean and clouds near Hawaii

Close-up of a fighter plane in flight, F-16 Fighting Falcon, US Air Force

USAF Lockheed F-16C Fighting Falcon Viper over a mountain/desert background

Lt. Col. George Watkins, the 34th Fighter Squadron commander, drops a GBU-12 laser-guided bomb from an F-35A Lightning II at the Utah Test and Training Range Feb. 25, 2016. The 34th FS is the Air Force's first combat unit to employ munitions from the F-35A.

Four F-16's and a KC-135 from the Arizona Air National Guard fly in formation during a training mission over Southern Arizona.

A KC-135R Stratotanker from the 155th Air Refueling Wing, Nebraska National Guard, refuels two German Tornado, Sept. 9, 2022, during Ample Strike Exercise. Ample Strike allows the Czech Republic, U.S., Allies and partner forces to maximize interoperability, combat effectiveness and survival awareness while operating in a dynamic and simulated high threat environment through operational and tactical training. Successful partnering activities like this result in progressive relationships and enhanced interoperability and lead to tangible, mutual benefits that improve regional security, access and coalition operations during peacetime, contingencies and crises.

An F-22 Raptor backs away from a KC-135 Stratotanker during a training mission over central New Mexico Oct. 23, 2013. The Raptor is assigned to the 49th Fighter Wing, at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. The KC-135 is from McConnell Air Force Base, Kan.

A front view of two F-15 Eagle aircraft carrying AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. The Eagles are from the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing, involved in exercise Pacific Consort. Subject Operation/Series: PACIFIC CONSORT Country: Australia (AUS)

An air-to-air right underside view of an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft flown by the 81st Tactical Fighter Wing, 3rd Air Force, RAF Bentwaters. Maverick air-to-surface missiles are mounted on the A-10's wing pylons. Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

A pair of U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcons in flight over Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Falcons are armed with AIM-120A Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) on each wing tip, a pair of GBU-12 500-pound bombs (left), a pair of 370-gallon tanks, and a GBU-31 (Guided Bomb Unit) BLU-109 (Bomb Live Unit) JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition). The Falcon on the right also has a AN/AAQ-28(V) Litening AT targeting pod under the intake.

020123-F-5872L-012. Subject Operation/Series: COPE TIGER '02 Country: Thailand (THA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

Two US Air Force F-16's, two Italian 104's, two German F-4's and two German MiG-29's fly in formation. The three nations' aircraft flew in a joint training effort practicing Dissimilar Air Combat Training. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: DENY FLIGHT Base: Decimomannu State: Sardinia Country: Italy (ITA)

An air-to-air left side view of a KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft refueling a 10th Tactical Fighter Squadron F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft as a 50th Tactical Fighter Wing and two 10th TFS F-16s await their turn for refueling. The aircraft are participating in the weapons training deployment exercise Sabre Thunder. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: SABRE THUNDER Country: Spain (ESP)

DF-ST-89-04307. Country: Sicily (SIC)

An underside view of an F-16D Falcon. The tail flash shows a "WEREWOLVE" , the mascot for the 69th Fighter Squadron. Visible on the underside is an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile, fuel tanks and a LANTIRN (Low Altitude Navigation Targeting Infrared, Night) system. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT TASK FORCE 95-3 Base: Moody Air Force Base State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Spanish Air Force EF-18M Hornets taxiing on the runway.

Air-to-air right underside view of two F-16 Eagle aircraft of the 43rd Tactical Fighter Squadron, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. Country: Unknown

An air-to-air view of a Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32) F-14A Tomcat aircraft on a combat patrol off of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) during Operation Desert Storm. The aircraft is armed with an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile on the outer portion of its wing pylon, an AIM-7 Sparrow missile on the inner portion and an AIM-54 Phoenix missile beneath its fuselage. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Falcon from the South Dakota Air National Guards 114th Fighter Wing flys behind a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from the Iowa Air National Guards 185thAir Refueling Wing over the South Dakota Badlands on June 27, 2023. The aircraft are part of a nationwide aerial refueling demonstration, commemorating the 100thanniversary of air refueling.

Four Fighter Squadron 2 (VF-2) F-14A Tomcat aircraft fly in formation while operating off of the aircraft carrier USS RANGER (CV 61). Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

An F-14B Tomcat aircraft from Fighter Squadron One Zero Two (VF-102) soars in the skies near Iraq. VF-102 is attached to the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) (not shown), which is currently conducting operations in the Persian Gulf during a six month deployment in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Country: Unknown

DN-SC-90-11794. Country: Unknown

DF-ST-87-07635. Country: Spain (ESP)

031205-F-6911G-002. Complete Scene Caption: A US Air Force (USAF) F-15E Strike Eagle fighter, 57th Wing, Weapons School, Nellis Air Force Base (AFB), Nevada (NV), gets fuel from a USAF KC-135 Stratotanker, 141st Airlift Wing (AW), Fairchild AFB, Washington (WA), Washington Air National Guard (WAANG), during the Mission Employment (ME) Exercise held at Nellis AFB. The Eagle is armed with an AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) (right), an AIM-9M Sidewinder (right), and an Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) pod (far right). It also has a Litening II Targeting Pod visible under the right intake. Mission Employment (ME) is the final event prior to Weapons School graduation. ME, for all practical purposes, is the equivalent of an Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI), conducted every six months at Nellis AFB. The two-week exercise combined Weapons Schools from around the US Air Force, US Navy and German Air Force in realistic combat scenarios. State: Nevad

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15MJ prepares to refuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker during Cope North 24 over the Northern Mariana Islands Feb. 20, 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

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II pilot assigned to the 421st Fisgter Squadron, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, receives fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, over the Pacific Ocean, while conducting Agile Combat Employment (ACE) rehearsals, June 28, 2022. ACE shifts operations from centralized physical infrastructures to a network of smaller, dispersed locations that can complicate adversary planning and provide more options for joint force commanders.

An air-to-air right side view of three Fighter Attack Squadron 136 (VFA-136) F/A-18C Hornet aircraft in formation. Country: Unknown

USAF Lockheed F-16C Fighting Falcon (Viper) over a mountain/desert background

DN-SC-04-17199. Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 355th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron conducts air refueling operations with a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 50th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, May 2, 2022. The 50th EARS is responsible for delivering fuel to U.S. and partner nation forces, enabling airpower, deterrence, and stability.

060911-N-8591H-087. Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)

Under the direction of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), twoF-15s assigned to the Massachusetts Air National Guard and twoCF-18 assigned to the Royal Canadian Air Force flyin formation 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 fi

An air-to-air right side view of a US Air Force F-111 aircraft followed by two Republic of Korea Air Force F-4E aircraft. Country: Unknown

F-16 Falcons from the 187th Fighter Wing in Montgomery, Alabama fly in formation with a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 117th Air Refueling Wing prior to doing a flyover of the 2022 World Games at Birmingham, Alabama, July 7, 2022.

A Fighter Squadron 2 (VF-2) F-14A Tomcat aircraft, right, and a Fighter Squadron 126 (VF-126) F-16N Fighting Falcon adversary training aircraft fly in formation after an air combat maneuvering exercise off the coast of Southern California. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

FB-111A aircraft of the 509th Bombardment Wing, armed with Mark 82 high drag practice bombs, fly over the water. Country: Unknown

Southwestern, U.S. - An F-16 Fighting Falcon moves into place to receive fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker. The F-16 is en route to Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, to take part in Green Flag East, a pre-deployment exercise for Air Combat Command flying units who perform close-air support and precision-guided munitions delivery.

F-16 Falcons from the 187th Fighter Wing in Montgomery, Alabama fly in formation with a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 117th Air Refueling Wing prior to doing a flyover of the 2022 World Games at Birmingham, Alabama, July 7, 2022.

September 7, 2006 - U.S. Air Force F-16 aircraft from the Thunderbird demonstration team fly off the wing of a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft during refueling over McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas.

Two U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 510th Fighter Squadron, Aviano AB, Italy, fly with a German MiG-29A on a training exercise. Base: Decimomannu State: Sardinia Country: Italy (ITA)

Italian Air Force Tornado ECR and IDS aircraft during in-flight refueling operations.

An air-to-air right side view of a three-ship echelon formation of F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft banking to the left, with snow-capped mountains in the background. The aircraft, from the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, are carrying AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. Base: Hill Air Force Base State: Utah (UT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Navy Reserve EA-18G Growler assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 209 , Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, aerial refuels from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, Alaska, May 3, 2022. RF-A is a Pacific Air Forces-directed field training exercise allowing forces to practice interoperability by providing unique opportunities to integrate into joint and multilateral training.

An air-to-air right side view of a Fighter Squadron 194 (VF-194) F-14A Tomcat aircraft during a training flight. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Colonel Jason Nalepa, 173rd Fighter Wing Operations Group Commander, flies the 173rd FW "Heritage Jet" F-15 during the Sentry Eagle Open House event June 24, 2022, near Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon. The Sentry Eagle Open House allowed Kingsley Field to give a behind-the-scenes look at our F-15 training mission as well as multiple aerial demonstrations, static display aircraft, recruiting events, and various local vendors.

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