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.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, takes off for a training flight at the 180FW in Swanton, Ohio, Jan. 8, 2023. The 180FW is the only F-16 fighter wing in the State of Ohio, whose mission is to provide for America; protection of the homeland, effective combat power and defense to civil authorities, while developing Airmen, supporting their families and serving in the community.

DF-ST-89-06350. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH 88-3 Base: Chitose Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

A Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 taxis from a hardstand as it prepares to take off after being marshalled out by a Team Mildenhall member from transient alert at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, Feb. 15, 2023. The aircraft, from RAF Coningsby, England, diverted here due to bad weather. The Typhoon is a highly capable and extremely agile multi-role combat aircraft, and the pilot performs many essential functions through the aircrafts hands on throttle and stick interface which, combined with an advanced cockpit and the helmet equipment assembly, renders the Typhoon superbly equipped for all aspects of air operations.

German Air Force F-4's get ready to take off from a Canadian Air Force base in Cold Lake, Canada, during Operation MAPLE FLAG 00. Operation Maple Flag is a joint Nato exercise that takes place once a year. Subject Operation/Series: MAPLE FLAG 00 Base: Cold Lake State: Alberta (AB) Country: Canada (CAN)

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Sep. 17, 2022)- Pilots from the "Gladiators" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 wave to the crowd after performing the Super Hornet demonstration during the 2022 Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana Air Show. The NAS Oceana Air Show's theme was "Back to the Beach", as it has been two years since the last performance.

Eurofighter Typhoon of the German Air Force 74th Fighter Wing, with live IRIS-T missiles, Neuburg, Germany.

DF-ST-85-04201. Subject Operation/Series: PITCH BLACK Base: Darwin State: Northern Territory Country: Australia (AUS)

Ground crewmen perform maintenance on three 18th Tactical Fighter Wing (18th TFW) F-15C Eagle aircraft during Exercise Cope Thunder 89-5. The 18th TFW is based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER 89-5 Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle taxis before takeoff near another F-15C Eagle at Muniz Air National Guard Base, Puerto Rico in support of North American Aerospace Defense Commands (NORAD) Operation Noble Defender (OND), 1 July, 2022. As a part of OND, which is a recurring operation, the Continental U.S. NORAD Region 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 b

A U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler assigned to the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, and two F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to the 4th Fighter Wing, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina wait to off from Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, July 20, 2022. Participants conducting training missions during Red Flag-Nellis 22-3 are able to test and perfect Agile Combat Employment operating concepts for how the U.S. combat forces will fight in a modern, contested environment.

An Italian Air Force F-2000 Typhoon at Trapani Air Base, Italy.

Royal Thai Air Force F-5F during Exercise Cope Tiger 2016 in Thailand.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to the 25th Fighter Squadron takes off before performing flight operations in support of exercise RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2 at Eielson Air Force Base, June 20, 2022. The A-10 was primarily designed for close air support of ground forces and can be used against light maritime attack aircraft and ground targets.

After completing a month-long participation in Operation ATLANTIC RESOLVE, pilots from the South Carolina Air National Guard's 169th Fighter Wing prepare to leave Łask Air Base, Poland for home, June 22, 2015. U.S. Air Force Airmen from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany and the South Carolina Air National Guards 169th Fighter Wing from McEntire Joint National Guard Base, are deployed to Łask Air Base in support of Operation ATLANTIC RESOLVE, during the month of June. These training missions, called Aviation Detachment Rotations, pair U.S. fighter pilots and maintenance crews with their Polish Air Force counterparts at Łask Air Base. This bilateral training, hosted by permanently assigned USAF service members assigned to Poland, has taken place since 2012. Through strengthened relationships and engagements with our allies, the U.S. and NATO demonstrate their shared commitment to a peaceful, stable and secure Europe. (South Carolina Air National Guard

An A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft sits on the runway with the canopy up. It will be piloted by the 442nd Fighter Wing from Whiteman AFB, Missouri. The reserve unit is deployed at Aviano Air Base, Italy in support of Operation Decisive Edge on 1-28 April 1996. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT ENDEAVOR Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

An A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to the 25th Fighter Squadron taxies on the runway following a training mission at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 4, 2023. The A-10 is powered by two General Electric TF34-GE-100 turbofans that provide 9,065 pounds of thrust per engine.

AV-8S Matador of the Spanish Navy taking off.

040721-F-0848C-002. Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040714-F-2621S-008. Subject Operation/Series: ORI Base: Swanton State: Ohio (OH) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Air Force Thunderbirds (T-birds) land and come to a halt on the runway in preparation for the air show on the 3rd and 7th of July. Subject Operation/Series: ALI SU AVIANO '96 AIR SHOW Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

A Romanian Air Force MiG-21 LanceR landing with its brake chute deployed, Campia Turzii, Romania.

240115-N-YM590-1087 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Jan. 15, 2024)- An F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the Fighting Blacklions of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213, taxis on the flightline after returning to Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia, Jan. 15, following a more than eight-month deployment with the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group. While deployed, the squadron accomplished 1,943 sorties covering 3,137 flight hours with a 97% sortie completion rate.

041116-F-7203T-005. Base: Misawa Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

050923-F-9351O-003. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

970324-F-7666R-100. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: Doha Country: Qatar (QAT)

A right rear view of a Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106) F/A-18D Hornet aircraft parked on the flight line. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040723-F-6175D-159. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 179th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia takes off from Cairo West Air Base after completing exercise Agile Phoenix with the Egyptian Air Force. The U.S. Air Force and Egyptian military executed the 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.

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

A Turkish Air Force F-4E-2020 Terminator equipped with the AGM-142 Popeye missile.

The tail of an F-15 Eagle aircraft of the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing participating in the joint U.S./Japan exercise Cope North 85-4. Subject Operation/Series: EXERCISE COPE NORTH 85-4 Base: Nyutabaru Air Base State: Kyashu Country: Japan (JPN)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the Ohio National Guard's 180th Fighter Wing, lands after a training flight at Naval Air Station Key West, Nov. 2, 2022. The 180FW deployed to Key West to train with VFC-111, the Navy's premier adversary squadron, providing realistic training scenarios that ensure the 180FW is prepared for homeland defense and contingency operations around the globe.

030214-F-1798W-008. Subject Operation/Series: COPE TIGER 2003 Base: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA)

030131-F-3488S-039. Base: Andersen Air Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030327-F-4987A-065. Subject Operation/Series: PATRIOT THUNDER Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040205-F-5040D-233. Base: Andersen Air Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

A right front view of an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft undergoing maintenance during exercise COPE ELITE '81. The Falcon is from the 428th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 474th Tactical Fighter Wing. Subject Operation/Series: COPE ELITE '81 Base: Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Qatar Emiri Air Force Mirage 2000 during Exercise Anatolian Eagle.

An A-10 Thunderbolt II, from the 124th Fighter Wing, Boise, Idaho, taxies at Young Landing Zone on Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, June 13, 2022. The aircraft are exercising and honing their skills in support of agile combat employment and preparing for a near peer conflict.

030508-M-7690B-125. Base: Mcas, Beaufort State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: MWSS-273

U.S. Air Force Maj. Corey T. Clark, director of operations, 125th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, retires during a ceremony Jan. 6, 2024, at Jacksonville Air National Guard Base, Florida. Clark retires from the Florida Air National Guard with over 23 years of military service.

Bulgarian Air Force MiG-29 during Exercise Thracian Star.

Two F-16I Sufa aircraft of the Israeli Air Force taxiing on the runway at Ramon Air Force Base, Israel. The right aircraft is armed with Rafael SPICE precision guided bombs, the left is armed with GBU-10 bombs. both aircraft carry Rafael Python missiles and AIM-120 missiles.

DN-SC-87-05770. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

Royal Australian Air Force Indigenous Youth Program members gather around a U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle at RAAF Base Darwin, Australia, Sept. 6, 2022. Local youths had the opportunity to learn about the aircraft and Exercise Pitch Black 2022 operations from U.S. Air Force pilots, maintainers and security forces members.

Royal Australian Air Force Indigenous Youth Program members gather around a U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle at RAAF Base Darwin, Australia, Sept. 6, 2022. Local youths had the opportunity to learn about the aircraft and Exercise Pitch Black 2022 operations from U.S. Air Force pilots, maintainers and security forces members.

040926-F-7787L-020. Base: Los Condores Air Base State: Tarapaca Region Country: Chile (CHL)

F-111F aircraft of the 48th Tactical Fighter Wing take off for Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

A U.S. Air Force crew chief from the 175th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Maryland Air National Guard, guides an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft on the flight line at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, on Jan. 25, 2023 in support of exercise Sunshine Rescue, a National Guard Bureau special focused training event. The goal of the Sunshine Rescue 2023 exercise is to execute traditional Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) capabilities with forward-edge ground force tactics, techniques, and procedures while utilizing advanced command and control technologies.

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle taxis before takeoff at Muniz Air National Guard Base, Puerto Rico in support of North American Aerospace Defense Commands (NORAD) Operation Noble Defender (OND), 1 July, 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

Attack version of the Yak-130 Mitten aircraft.

The 378th Air Expeditionary Wing Base Operations Support-Integration officer in charge integrates with an F-16 Fighting Falcon crew chief as members of a Agile Combat Employment team at Cairo West Air Base on June 27, 2022 during exercise Agile Phoenix . The U.S. Air Force and Egyptian military executed the 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 B-52H Stratofortress assigned to the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron takes flight as part of a multinational formation over Guam, Feb. 6, 2024. In an age of long-term strategic competition that challenges international norms and institutions, it is vital that we strengthen the bonds with our allies and partners to sharpen our competitive edge, secure common interests, and promote shared values. Air Force

A Spanish Navy EAV-8B+ Harrier II taxis in after landing.

Patrons cheer as a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon prepares for takeoff during the Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS), at Sakhir Air Base, Nov. 11, 2022. U.S. military participation in BIAS-22 builds upon our strong relationship with our partners and enhances our relationships with other partners in the region.

The U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, assigned to Joint Base Langley-Eustis, takes off from the flightline at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Nov. 17, 2022. The demonstration team performed aerial maneuvers to demonstrate the elite capabilities of the F-22 Raptor.

LEEUWARDEN, NETHERLANDS - APRIL 11, 2016: US Air Force F-15 Eagle takking off during the exercise Frisian Flag. The exercise is considered one of the most important NATO training events this year.

A left side view of six F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft being used for the first time in an air show by the USAF Thunderbirds Aerial Demonstration Team. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force T-38A Talon assigned to the 2d Fighter Training Squadron prepares for a flight at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Sept. 13, 2022. The 2d FTS traveled from Florida to MHAFB in support of the F-35A Lightning II basic course capstone.

A British Royal Air Force GR-1 Tornado conducts in-air refueling with a British VC-10 K3 tanker (Not shown) over Kuwait as part of the Southwest Asia build-up. Country: Kuwait (KWT)

040819-F-7979S-004. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: Suffolk Country: United Kingdom (GBR)

220706-F-IU083-1286 KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (July 6, 2022) - A U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper, assigned to the 49th Wing, lands at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Unmanned and remotely operated vessels extend the capability of interconnected manned platform sensors to enhance capacity across the multinational force. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

A Hellenic Air Force T-2 Buckeye training aircraft taxiing at Kalamata Air Base, Greece.

A U.S. Marine Corp KC-130J Super Hercules with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, takes flight in support of exercise Pacific Edge 23, on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Nov. 28, 2022. Pacific Edge is a bilateral U.S. - Australian exercise held to enhance combat proficiencies through the integration of allied units and further the interoperability between the two countries aircraft.

Idaho National Guard pilots land A-10 Thunderbolt IIs after a flight mission near Gowen Field on March 15, 2023 with the Boise foothills in the background.

AN F-15 Eagle aircraft are being readied for launch during exercise Pacific Consort. The aircraft are assigned to the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing. Subject Operation/Series: PACIFIC CONSORT Base: Raaf Williamstown Country: Australia (AUS)

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" pilots perform during Montana's Military Open House "Flight over the Falls" at Montana Air National Guard Base, Great Falls, Montana, July 23, 2022. The Thunderbirds are the U.S. Air Force's premier air demonstration squadron.

First lieutenant kite J.P. Soolsma, classified by 313 Squadron, with 'student-flyer' first lieutenant c.a.j.m. Frijters. Photo belongs to the photo report, which is created for the benefit of the 'operational, the Royal Netherlands Air Force in operation' by Wim Cock from 1983.

Two F-16s assigned to the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron returen from a routine training mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, May 17, 2022. The 422nd TES performs operational testing of all fighter aircraft and munitions used by Air Combat Command.

A U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier assigned to Marine Attack Squadron 542 takes off from Bodo, Norway during Fjord Fury, May 30, 2018. Exercise Fjord Fury is designed to conduct combined training with NATO allied forces, foster relationships with host and partner nations, and improve the squadrons combat readiness.

An AV-8B Harrier assigned to Marine Attack Squadron 223, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, takes off for a mission, during Green Flag-West 24-04 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 17, 2024. Green Flag-West is an advanced realistic air-to-surface training exercise conducted in conjunction with the U.S. Army National Training Center exercises at Fort Irwin, California. Air Force

MiG-23MLD jet fighters of the Russian Air Force storage, Kubinka, Russia.

U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds land after practicing for Skyfest 2022 at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington May 12, 2022. Team Fairchild will hold the Fairchild Skyfest 2022 airshow as a means of thanking the local community for their support and partnerships, as well as to inspire future generations of Airmen with a showcase of U.S. Air Force assets and their capabilities.

An F/A-18C Hornet jet fighter of the Swiss Air Force taxiing at an airbase in Meiringen, Switzerland.

Kazakhstan Air Defense Forces Su-25SM attack aircraft taking off.

A U.S. Air Force F-16A is being removed from static display at the Iowa Air National Guards 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City, Iowa on May 18, 2022. The historic aircraft is being towed across the runway to the Air National Guard paint facility where it will be cleaned and painted. The 185th flew F-16 fighter aircraft during the 1990s before converting to KC-135 in the early 2000s. U.S. Air National Guard photo: Senior Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot

030329-A-XXXXX-393. Base: Udairi Air Field Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: Northeast

A German Air Force Tornado ECR of Fighter Bomber Wing 32's Flying Monsters squadron with special paint scheme.

A right side view of an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft from the 4th Tactical Fighter Squadron as it taxis immediately after landing. The F-16 aircraft are deployed overseas for the first time. Base: Flesland Air Station Country: Norway (NOR)

Various jet fighters of the Russian Air Force during Exercise Aviadarts 2018.

U.S. Air Force instructor pilots assigned to the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program prepare to take off in U.S. Air Force T-38C Talon aircraft at Sheppard Air Force Base, 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.

Thirty-seven A-10 Thunderbolt IIs sit on the flightline at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, to compete in Hawgsmoke 2022, Sept 8, 2022. Hawgsmoke is a biennial USAF bombing, missile, and tactical gunnery competition for A-10 Thunderbolt II units which provides unique training.

U.S. Air Force aircraft assigned to Kadena Air Base line up on the runway during a capabilities demonstration at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Nov. 22, 2022. This exercise showcased Kadena Airmens ability to rapidly generate airpower in a short period of time in support of regional security.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Ross Kohler, 67th Fighter Squadron F-15 Eagle pilot, takes off during Exercise Pitch Black 2022 at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, Australia, Sept. 7, 2022. PB22 is the latest in long standing, multilateral exercises designed to enhance participating countries air operations. This year, 17 nations are participating in PB22, and is scheduled from Aug. 19 to Sept. 8, 2022.

A WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron departs Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., Oct. 21, 2022. The squadron is tasked with flying 12-hourly fix missions into Tropical Storm Roslyn until the system makes landfall.

DN-SC-87-03204. Base: Naval Air Station, Pensacola State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" pilots perform during Montana's Military Open House "Flight over the Falls" at Montana Air National Guard Base, Great Falls, Montana, July 23, 2022. The Thunderbirds are the U.S. Air Force's premier air demonstration squadron.

DF-ST-87-09604. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

Nike rockets on the launching area of the 12th group of led weapons.

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