Military Aircraft Operations

Images highlight various military aircraft in action, showcasing fighter jets and technical crew during operations, underscoring the complexities of aerial defense efforts.

A Royal Jordanian Air Force F-16AM aircraft landing at Konya Air Base, Turkey.

970414-F-8006R-002. Subject Operation/Series: ROVING SANDS Base: Roswell State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

011008-F-3873G-044. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: RAF Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

US Air Force Air CHIEF Marshall Sir John Allison Air Officer Commander-In-CHIEF Strike Command and Commander Allied Air Forces Northwestern Europe arrives at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, in an F-16D Fighting Falcon aircraft from Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Base: Peterson Air Force Base State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Turkish Air Force F-4E-2020 Terminator in action during exercise Anatolian Eagle 2019.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Alan Gang Greene, 123rd Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagle pilot, inspects the exterior of this aircraft prior to a sortie for Combat Archer 22.08 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 17, 2022. Combat Archer is a formal, two-week evaluation exercise designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

Spanish F-18 with HARM training missiles at Electronic warfare exercise ELITE, Geilenkirchen Airfield, Germany.

Lt. Col. Joost Luijsterburg, Royal Netherlands Air Force detachment commander, Morris Air National Guard Base, waits to start his aircraft at Naval Air Station Key West, Florida. This is the last temporary duty that the RNLAF will make with the 162nd Wing before they return to the Netherlands.

020211-F-4177H-009. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

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.

Italian Air Force F-2000 armed with bombs.

An A-4M Skyhawk aircraft from Marine Attack Squadron 124 (VMA-124) comes in for a landing. Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A 332d Air Expeditionary Wing F-15E Strike Eagle conducts a sortie during a routine training exercise at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, July 7, 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.

A group of F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft arrive at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. While assigned to PSAB, the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron mission is to project combat airpower across AFCENTs area of responsibility, supporting personnel, improving force movement, and showing U.S. and partner nations resolve in the region.

An Israeli Air Force F-16A Netz taxiing at Nevatim Airbase.

A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from across the globe arrive at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, to compete in Hawgsmoke 2022, Sept 7, 2022. Hawgsmoke is a biennial USAF bombing, missile, and tactical gunnery competition for A-10 Thunderbolt II units which provides unique training.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, assigned to the 77th Fighter Squadron arrives at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oct. 19, 2022. While assigned to PSAB, the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron mission is to project combat airpower across AFCENTs area of responsibility, supporting personnel, improving force movement, and showing U.S. and partner nations resolve in the region.

020402-F-9032T-007. Base: RAF Lakenheath Country: United Kingdom (GBR) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

011018-F-7910D-001. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Combat Command

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

A Marine F-18 Hornet taxis into position for takeoff at a training base in Northern Jordan as part of Exercise Eager Lion. The Marine jets will play aggressors” during air-to-air maneuvers that take place here as part of the ongoing training performed between the Americans and Jordanians. Eager Lion is a U.S. Central Command-directed, irregular warfare-themed exercise focusing on missions the United States and its coalition partners might perform in support of global contingency operations.

F-15 Eagle aircraft of the 60th Tactical Fighter Squadron takes off during Exercise Cornet Phaser, a NATO rapid deployment exercise conducted under simulated wartime conditions. Subject Operation/Series: CORNET PHASER Base: Canadian Forces Base, Lahr Country: West Germany (FRG)

F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing, Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, conducted a bilateral exercise with Republic of Korea Air Force 7 June, 2022 to demonstrate the ability of the combined US-ROK forces to respond quickly to crisis events. The ROK-U.S. Alliance remains committed to peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and throughout the Indo-Pacific. The U.S. commitment to the defense of the ROK remains ironclad.

Mar 1992...Ground crewmembers run the pilot of an F-14 Tomcat aircraft through hand signals to check all systems before the aircraft is launched on a mission. Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet aircraft with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 533 taxis the flight line at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 7, 2022. Marines with VMFA(AW)-533 traveled from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam to enhance squadron readiness and conduct joint-level training as part of an Aviation Training Relocation Program.

A Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18F Super Hornet awaits its next mission.

DN-ST-86-04426. Base: USS Midway (CV 41)

An F/A-18A Hornet aircraft of the Naval Strike Warfare School taxis out of the combat aircraft loading area armed with Mark 82 500-lb. bombs. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Turkish Air Force F-16D Fighting Falcon in action.

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) member stands in front of a Kawasaki T-4 static display during the Misawa Air Fest at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 11, 2022. The air show gave community members an opportunity to see various aircraft, meet military personnel and observe ground and aerial demonstrations, encompassing the power of the joint and bilateral forces. This years aerial demonstrations included the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and JASDF F-35A Lightning II, Mitsubishi F-2, a CH-47J and UH-60 helicopter alongside a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon and U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler.

Royal Thai Air Force Jas-39 Gripen during Exercise Cope Tiger 2016.

Brazilian Air Force F-5EM during exercise Cruzex 2018, Brazil.

030401-F-9448S-029. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

060424-N-9898L-004. Base: USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)

An F-/A-18A Hornet aircraft of Strike Fighter Squadron 203 (VFA-203) stands on the flight line. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force crew chief salutes anm F-15E Strike Eagle pilot at Andravida Air Base, Greece, April 6, 2022. The 492nd Fighter Squadron assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing participated in INIOCHOS 22, a Hellenic air force-led exercise designed to enhance the interoperability and skills of allied and partner forces in the accomplishment of joint operations and air defenses.

A United Arab Emirates Air Force F-16E Block 60 taking off.

LEEUWARDEN, NETHERLANDS - APRIL 11, 2016: Finish Air Force F-18 Hornet landing during the exercise Frisian Flag. The exercise is considered one of the most important NATO training events this year.

DN-ST-88-07027. Base: Naval Air Station, Dallas State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-88-05710. Base: Macdill Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

US Marine Corps Lance Corporal Roger Al Sherman Jr., from the Exhibitionary Air Field Marine Wing Support Squadron 273, Marine Corps Air Station, Beaufort, North Carolina, enacts an M21 Arresting Gear for an F-18 Hornet aircraft during Exercise ROVING SANDS '96. Subject Operation/Series: ROVING SANDS '96 Base: Roswell State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020201-F-6565E-006. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

030306-F-3893W-009. Base: Dyess Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Combat Command

A South Carolina Air National Guard F-16CJ Fighting Falcon taking off.

Italian Air Force Tornado IDS aircraft.

Military aircraft assigned to the combat and other warlike functions. Military aircraft

U.S. Air Force airfield survey team members are given a tour by Romanian Air Force officers of the flight line and this MIG-29 at Kogalniceanu Air Base, Constanta, Romania. The airfield survey team, at the request of Romanian officials, will determine if Romanian bases meet US and NATO standards for use in operations and exercises. Base: Kogalniceanu Air Base State: Constanta Country: Romania (ROM)

A right rear view of an F/A-18C Hornet aircraft assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 37 (VFA-37) of Carrier Wing (CVW-3) parked on the flight line. Behind the F/A-18C is an T-2C Buckeye trainer aircraft of Training Squadron 23 (VT-23). Base: Naval Air Facility, Andrews Afb State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Peruvian Air Force Mirage-2000 during exercise Cruzex 2018, Brazil.

An F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 492nd Fighter Squadron, 48th Fighter Wing, taxis down the runway to participate in BALTOPS 22 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 14, 2022. BALTOPS 22 is the premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region. The exercise, led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen the combined response capability critical to preserving the freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea.

Belgian F-16 Fighting Falcon on static display during the Chièvres Air Fest, Chièvres, Belgium, June 25, 2022.

DF-ST-85-04827. Subject Operation/Series: REFORGER '83 Base: Canadian Forces Base, Lahr Country: West Germany (FRG)

An F-16C Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft of the 363rd Tactical Fighter Wing, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., takes off during the second wave of the air attack on Iraq in support of Operation Desert Storm. The Falcon is armed with Mark 84 2,000-pound bombs mounted under its wings and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles on its wing tips.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

An F-18C Hornet of the Swiss Air Force taxiing for departure, Wittmund, Germany.

A close-up view of an F-15 Eagle, tail number 134, from the 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin AFB, Florida, sits on the runway apron prior to take off from Roosevelt Roads Naval Air Station, Puerto Rico. A total of 24 Eagles, in three cells of eight planes, are returning to Eglin. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: PHOENIX SHARK Base: Nas, Roosevelt Roads State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F-15E Strike Eagle piloted by U.S. Air Force Capt. Frank Fryar, 336th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John F. Campbell, Combined Joint Task Force 101, Regional Command East commander, Campbell flew with Fryar over eastern Afghanistan to become more familiar with the capabilities of the F-15, which provides close-air support to Campbellís Soldiers working on the ground.

Royal Singapore Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle.

U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet aircraft stage on the flight line at Japan Air Self-Defense Force Nyutabaru Air Base, Japan, Nov. 9, 2022. Under the Unit Deployment Program with Marine Aircraft Group 12, VMFA-312 participates in the Aviation Training Relocation Program to improve operational readiness and interoperability with Japan Air Self-Defense Forces in the Indo-Pacific theater.

011012-F-0308N-376. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

F-15 Fighting Eagles from the 428th Fighter Squadron arrived at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., Nov. 19, 2015. The F-15s came in support of the training exercise Forging Saber from Mountain Home AFB, Idaho. Forging Sabre is an exercise involving the 428th FS, Luke AFBs 425th FS and members of the Republic of Singapore armed forces and will be held Dec. 1-13.

F-16AM of the Belgian Air Force's 349 Smaldeel, Neuburg, Germany.

An F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 4th Fighter Wing, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, takes off for a mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, July 11, 2022. Participants conducting training missions during Red Flag-Nellis 22-3 are able to test and perfect Agile Combat Employment operating concept for how the U.S. combat forces will fight in a modern, contested environment.

B-1 bomber with sniper targeting pod attached.

A Marine Attack Squadron 231 (VMA-231) AV-8A Harrier II aircraft stands on the flight line after arriving on base. The plane will be taking part in a flyover during the National Victory Celebration, a day-long event being held in honor of the liberation of Kuwait by coalition forces during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040527-F-7951C-007. Base: Balad Air Base Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A Dutch air force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft taxis out for a mission in support of Operation Deny Flight, the enforcement of the United Nations-sanctioned no-fly zone over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Subject Operation/Series: DENY FLIGHT Base: Villafranca Air Base Country: Italy (ITA)

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

An A-10C Thunderbolt II assigned to the 66th Weapons Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, loaded with a DATM-160 training version of the ADM-160 Miniature Air-Launched Decoy, sits on San Clemente Island, California, November 7, 2022. The 549th Combat Training Squadron successfully operated a disaggregated, multi-service Green Flag-West exercise Nov. 2-9, that integrated U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force command and control, tactical units, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, while operating from multiple locations across the west coast.

The U.S. Air Force 79th Fighter Squadron (FS) heritage F-16C Fighting Falcon taxis on the flightline at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Oct 27, 2022. The 79th FS deployed to project combat air power and help stabilize the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

A Turkish Air Force F-16D Block50+ Fighting Falcon.

030321-F-9448S-032. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

More than fifty F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to the 4th Wing, Seymour-Johnson AFB, NC, are lined up on the runway with B-52H Stratofortress aircraft. They are here to avoid hurricane Bertha. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 77th Fighter Squadron, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, takes off during Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 22.08 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 17, 2022. WSEP is a formal, two-week evaluation exercise designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

F-15E Strike Eagle "Panthers" from the 494th Fighter Squadron, 48th Fighter Wing, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom, sit on the flight line with their wheels chocked. The Strike Eagle is a two-seat fighter designed to maintain air superiority during combat. (Duplicate image, see also DF-SD-01-07699 or search 000828-F-9032T-005). Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

DF-ST-86-12019. Base: Misawa Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

An Attack Squadron 36 (VA-36) A-6E Intruder aircraft rolls along a runway as a Fighter Squadron 14 (VF-14) F-14A Tomcat aircraft passes overhead. Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The pilot of an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft prepares for takeoff during the field training exercise Quick Thrust. Subject Operation/Series: QUICK THRUST Base: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base State: Ohio (OH) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Bundeswehr Tornado during a NATO maneuver Bundeswehr Tornado during a NATO maneuver Copyright: xZoonar.com/ThomasxFuhrmannx 21903583

Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16 MLU landing at Leeuwarden Air Base, Netherlands.

F/A-18 Hornets US Navy

An F-15E Strike Eagle, 494th Fighter Squadron (FS), taxis from the runway at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom. The Strike Eagle is considered the most advanced two-seat tactical fighter aircraft in the world. A large array of avionics and electronic systems make the F-15E able to fight at low altitude, day or night, in severe weather. The Strike Eagle has a primary function as an air to ground attack aircraft but is capable of air-to-air battle. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

030321-F-9448S-033. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle, assigned to the 67th Fighter Squadron, takes off on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 24, 2022. The F-15 has electronic systems and weaponry to detect, acquire, track and attack enemy aircraft while operating in friendly or enemy-controlled airspace to help maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Florida Air National Guard F-15C at Campia Turzii, Romania.

Brazilian Air Force F-5EM during exercise Cruzex 2018, Brazil.

Turkish Air Force F-16's on the ramp at Izmir Air Station, Turkey.

F-16 fighter jets from the South Carolina Air National Guards 169th Fighter Wing began their move back to McEntire Joint National Guard Base February 4, 2023. The F-16s have been temporarily operating from Columbia Metropolitan Airport in West Columbia, South Carolina since April 2022 due to major runway renovations at McEntire JNGB.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Zach Peters, an A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot with the 75th Fighter Squadron, 23d Fighter Group out of Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, prepares for take off during Southern Strike 2022, at Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Center, Gulfport, Mississippi, April 26, 2022. Southern Strike 2022 is a large-scale, joint multinational combat exercise that provides tactical level training for the full spectrum of conflict. It emphasizes air dominance, maritime operations, maritime air support, precision engagement, close air support, command and control, personnel recovery, aero medical evacuation, and combat medical support.

Close-up of four fighter planes at an air base, F/A-18 Hornets, US Navy

Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo visits Prince Sultan Air Base and meets with U.S. service members, in Saudi Arabia, on February 20, 2020.

A US Air Force (USAF) 410th Air Expeditionary Wing (AEW) maintenance member relaxes for a minute while waiting to work on his F-16 Fighting Falcon, at a forward deployed location during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

980416-F-4116M-021. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Two F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 179th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia taxi out for a training flight with the Egyptian Air Force at Cairo West Air Base on June 27, 2022. The U.S. Air Force and Egyptian military executed a combined training event focused on increasing Agile Combat Readiness, as well as offensive and defensive counter air capability and interoperability. Approximately 100 U.S. service members participated in this training event alongside the Egyptian armed forces demonstrating resolute partnerships and interoperability.

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 79th Fighter Squadron at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., takes off from the flightline during exercise Red Flag-Nellis (RF-N) 23-2 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, March 14, 2023. RF-N 23-2 provides a challenging and dynamic environment for the 20th Fighter Wing pilots and aircrew by bringing air forces and airframes from around the world together multiple times a year to integrate as a team during simulated wartime operations, ensuring seamless interoperability for potential future conflicts.

A U.S. Navy E/A-18G Growler aircraft assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 138 prepares to depart a hangar operated by Marine Wing Liaison Kadena (MWLK) for joint force training at Kadena Air Force base, Okinawa, Japan, June 13, 2022. MWLK provides comprehensive operational and logistical support to local and deployed U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy squadrons operating at Kadena Air Base.

A front view of an F-4 Phantom II aircraft taxiing out during Exercise Opportune Journey 4. The aircraft, from the 3rd Tactical Fighter Squadron, 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing, is armed with a 500-lb. Mark 82 laser guided bomb on the left wing. Subject Operation/Series: OPPORTUNE JOURNEY 4 Base: Naval Air Station, Barbers Point State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

F-16A MLU Falcon from the Royal Danish Air Force taxiing at Grosseto Air Base.

220823-N-AS200-8212 POINT MUGU, Calif. (Aug 23, 2022) - "115" EA-18G Growler assigned to the "Dust Devils" of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 31 launches from Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Point Mugu. VX-31 is based at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, Calif. and charged with conducting safe, effective, and efficient flight testing and evaluation of aircraft and weapon systems in direct support of the United States Naval Aviation Fleet. NBVC is the home of the Pacific Seabees, West Coast E-2C Hawkeyes, 3 warfare centers and 80 tenants.

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