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Military Fighter Jets in Flight

Dynamic images of modern military fighter jets in flight, highlighting advanced engineering and aerial maneuvers against a backdrop of clouds.

050224-F-7709A-010. Base: Over The Gulf Of Mexico Country: United States Of America (USA)

031229-F-9629J-017. Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

General Dynamics F-16A.

A Strike Fighter Squadron 81 (VFA-81) F/A-18C Hornet aircraft flies over the sea during Operation Desert Shield. The aircraft is carrying an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile on each wing tip. VFA-81 is based aboard the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60). Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Red Sea

Two U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons of the Ohio Air National Guards 180th Fighter Wing fly behind a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker of the Iowa Air National Guards 185th Air Refueling Wing over Iowa, Aug. 11, 2022. The F-16s and KC-135 were on their way to the Field of Dreams Major League Baseball game to perform a flyover during the playing of the US National Anthem.

Right side air-to-air view of two F-15 Eagle aircraft from the 12th Tactical Fighter Wing, seen from another F-15 (wing visible in foreground). The aircraft are en route to Kadena Air Base, Okinawa at the conclusion of exercise Kangaroo '81. Subject Operation/Series: KANGAROO '81 Base: Tengeh Air Base Country: Singapore (SGP)

An air-to-air front view of a Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 321 (VMFA-321) F/A-18A Hornet aircraft over the Bravo-19 target range. The Hornet is armed with an AGM-62 Walleye I extended range data link missile. The reserve squadron is at Fallon for two weeks of active duty training at the Naval Air Warfare Center target complex. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Su-35S jet fighters of the Russian Air Force.

A U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle assigned to 67th Fighter Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, 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, May 5, 2022. The JPARC provides more than 77,000 square miles of airspace, making it the worlds largest instrumented air, ground and electronic combat training range. 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 32 (VF-32) F-14A Tomcat aircraft and a Fighter Squadron 14 (VF-14) F-14A Tomcat aircraft on patrol during exercise Deterrent Force 2/90, a part of Operation Desert Shield. Both planes are attached to Carrier Air Wing Three, embarked on the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELDDETERRENT FORCE 2/90 Country: Unknown

DF-ST-86-09116. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-87-03765. Country: West Germany (FRG)

Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska - An A-10 Warthog breaks over the Pacific Alaska Range Complex during live fire training.

Two F/A-18 Hornet aircraft of Strike Fighter Squadron 94 (VFA-94), the Mighty Strikes, pass near the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) (not shown) during a fire power demonstration. Country: Western Pacific

An air-to-air left side view of a formation of four 36th Tactical Fighter Wing F-15C Eagle aircraft armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. In October, this team of Eagles will be deployed to Tyndall AFB, Fla., to compete in Exercise William Tell '86. Subject Operation/Series: WILLIAM TELL '86 Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 162nd Fighter Wing maneuvers during a training mission out of Tucson, Arizona.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 492nd Fighter Squadron, 48th Fighter Wing, takes off to participate in BALTOPS 22 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 14, 2022. BALTOPS is an annual, multinational exercise designed to enhance interoperability and demonstrate NATO and partner force resolve to defend theBaltic region. Regional Allies and partners are reassured of U.S. security commitments to the region when we participate in activities like this.

A KC-135 Stratotanker from Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., refuels a B-1B Lancer during a training exercise Sept. 23, 2014, over South Dakota. For more than 50 years the KC-135 has provided the core aerial refueling capability for the Air Force. The aircraft can travel up to 1,500 miles with 150,000 pounds of transfer fuel, which enables the Air Force to project rapid, flexible military power. The B-1B is assigned to Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota.

040624-F-7709A-001. Base: Eglin Land Range State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Marine Corps EA-6B Prowler from Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, conducts operations over eastern Afghanistan, Nov. 26, 2009.

An AGM-119A Penguin anti-ship missile is mounted on the pylon of a Royal Norwegian air force F-16A Fighting Falcon aircraft during testing of the missile. Country: Norway(NOR)

010809-F-7910D-004. Base: Buckley Air Force Base State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFRC

020508-F-4814D-008. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Country: Unknown

DF-ST-87-00554. Subject Operation/Series: COMMANDO WEST IX Base: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA)

DN-SC-04-09229. Country: Unknown

An air-to-air left side view of three F-5E Tiger II aircraft from the 527th Tactical Fighter Training Aggressor Squadron, RAF Alconbury, in formation. Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

Formation of Luftwaffe F-4F Phantom II's of Jagdgeschawader 71 Richthofen behind a tanker of the 100th ARW over northern Germany.

120709-N-WD757-129ARABIAN SEA (July 9, 2012) An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Blue Blasters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 34 awaits direction on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation.

An air-to-air overhead view of an F-16A Fighting Falcon aircraft with 600-gallon fuel tanks on the wing pylons and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles on the wingtips. This is the first flight of an F-16 with 600-gallon tanks. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030810-F-8833H-358. State: Idaho (ID) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-88-07127. Country: Unknown

980206-N-9785M-705. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: USS Nimitz (CVN 68)

The US Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II, flagship of the 81st Fighter Squadron, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, flies in the skies over northern Germany. Spangdahlem AB consists of the 81st Fighter Squadron, which flies the A-10 aircraft and two F-16 squadrons, the 22nd and 23rd Fighter Squadrons, which fly the F-16C Falcon (Not shown). Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

An air-to-air left side view of three F/A-18A Hornet aircraft from Strike Fighter Squadron 192 (VFA-192) assigned to the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV-41). The upper two aircraft are armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. Country: Unknown

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 64th Aggressor Squadron receives inflight fuel during a Red Flag-Nellis 22-1 mission Jan. 28, 2022 over the Nevada Test and Training Range. Red Flag-Nellis 22-1 is a unique exercise demonstrating the most cutting edge tactical integration of airpower from the U.S. and primary allies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Alexandre Montes)

A T-38 Talon four-ship formation flies over the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup semifinals match between the Republic and the Kansas City Sporting July 27, 2022, in Sacramento, California. The U.S. Air Force performs close to 1,000 flyovers a year, which serve as a way to showcase the capabilities of its aircraft while also inspiring patriotism and future generations of aviation enthusiasts.

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.

020923-F-6393C-011. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Bulgarian and Polish Air Force MiG-29s aircraft flying over Bulgaria.

A US Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier High Above the Al Anbar Province of Iraq

An F-15C Eagle from the 1ST Fighter Wing, Langley AFB, Virginia is moving into position for refueling with a Boeing KC-10A Extender from the 2nd Air Refueling Squadron, McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey. The KC-10A can carry more than 356,000 pounds of fuel in it's six tanks; almost twice as much as the KC-135 Stratotanker. During boom refuling operations, fuel is transferred to the receiver at a maximum rate of 1,100 gallons per minute. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Air to air view of an F-15 Eagle with AIM-120A AMRAAM air-to-air missiles. Base: Eglin Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F-16 from the Ohio Guard and a KC-10 from McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey sit on the tarmac. Base: Moron Air Base State: Sevilla Country: Spain (ESP)

A flight of four F-15E and F-15C Eagles, assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing also known officially as the Liberty Wing, fly over the English Channel during a training mission. In the past few years, the base fighters have supported coalition forces in Operations Deliberate Force, Deny Flight, Provide Comfort and Joint Endeavor. Exact Date Shot Unknown .Published in AIRMAN Magazine March 1997. Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

040218-F-2034C-002. State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

An air-to-air right underside view of an F-16A Fighting Falcon aircraft with 600-gallon fuel tanks on the wing pylons and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles on the wingtips. This is the first flight of an F-16 with 600-gallon tanks. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Fly it. Description: Royal Air Force recruitment poster Date: c.1975 plane, airplane, fly, aircraft, aviation, aeroplane, runway, raf, jaguars, militaryaviation, recruiting, royalairforce, sepecat, centralofficeofinformation, sepecatjaguar, jaguargr3, sepecatjaguargr3, jaguargr1, type:face=weiss, jaguargr3a, sepecatjaguargr1, xx112, cns5

A right side view of an F-4G Advanced Wild Weasel Phantom II and an F-4E Phantom II. The 561st Tactical Fighter Squadron aircraft are both equipped with two AGM-45 Shrike missiles and an AN/ALQ-119 ECM pod. The F-4G is also equipped with an AGM-45 Maverick missile on the inside right wing pylon and an AGM-78 Standard anti-radiaiton missile on the inside left wing pylon. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A close-up front view of an F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 13th Fighter Squadron, Misawa Air Base, Japan, as it taxis at the air base. Iron Fist '95 is an international air to air exercise between the United States Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force. Subject Operation/Series: IRON FIST '95 Base: Raaf Williamstown Country: Australia (AUS)

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon in flight over Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Falcon is 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). It also has a AN/AAQ-28(V) Litening AT targeting pod under the intake.

060305-F-2295B-206. Base: Davis-Monthan Afb State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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.

010810-F-7910D-039. Base: Buckley Air Force Base State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AIR NATIONAL GUARD

A B-1 Lancer from the 28th Bomb Squadron assigned to Dyess Air Force Base, Texas refuels with a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 465th Air Refueling Squadron, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, over north Texas October 21, 2022.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform at the Orlando Air and Space Show in Orlando, Florida, Oct. 30, 2022. Since 1953, the Thunderbirds team has served as Americas premier air demonstration squadron, entrusted with the vital mission to recruit, retain and inspire past, present and future Airmen.

110606-N-DR144-314PACIFIC OCEAN (June 6, 2011) An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 81 maneuvers over the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) during an air power demonstration. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of responsibility.

An F-16 banks to the left after dropping its load during the Operations Readiness Inspection. Base: Moody Air Force Base State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040914-F-6701P-039. Base: Lask Air Base State: Lodzkie Country: Poland (POL)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 18th Aggressor Squadron, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, 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, May 12, 2022. The JPARC provides more than 77,000 square miles of airspace, making it the worlds largest instrumented air, ground and electronic combat training range. 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.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, takes off for a training mission, Aug. 16, 2022, in Swanton, Ohio. Flying the Lockheed Martin F-16CM Fighting Falcon, a multi-role fighter aircraft with Pratt and Whitney F100-PW-229 engines, the 180FW has access to military operating airspace and air-to-ground gunnery ranges suited for the capabilities of the F-16. The Alpena Airspace Complex, Michigan and Buckeye Airspace, Ohio are supersonic, chaff/flare capable with full radar ground control intercept, or GCI and Link-16 capable. (Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Beth Holliker)

220614-N-MJ302-1175 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 14, 2022) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, from the Mighty Shrikes” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 94, rests on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is underway in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Sep. 17, 2022)- F/A-18 Super Hornets fly in formation 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.

990114-N-3149V-003. Base: San Clemente Island State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A German Air Force Mig-29 Fulcrum takeoff at Red Flag exercise mission with ordnance Nellis AFB NV.

Italian Air Force Tornado ECR and IDS aircraft in flight.

DF-ST-87-00861. Country: Unknown

January 18, 2010 - Dassault Rafale B of the French Air Force off the Normandy coast. These Rafales carry AASM Hammer bombs.

A U.S. Navy F-14A Tomcat returns to USS Nimitz after Operation Southern Watch.

DN-SC-89-00042. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

DN-SC-89-02484. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

AN air-to-air view of two F-15 Eagle aircraft. Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

A pair of F-15 Eagles with the 159th Fighter Wing out of Louisiana fly beside a KC-135 Stratotanker with the 914th Air Refueling Wing, New York, July 10, 2022, over the Southeastern United States. The 159th Fighter Wing is nicknamed the Bayou Militia, displayed on both F-15s tails.

221209-N-XK462-1098 PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 9, 2022) An F/A-18E Super Hornet, from the Mighty Shrikes of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 94, launches off of the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is underway conducting routine operations.

120118-N-DR144-614 ARABIAN SEA (Jan. 18, 2012) Flight deck personnel prepare to launch an F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22 from the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

An air-to-air underside view of three F-16 Falcon aircraft assigned to the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing as they break to the left during a mission out of Hill Air Force Base. State: Utah (UT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030619-F-6844O-009. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcons, from the New Jersey Air National Guard's 177th Fighter Wing, fly in formation over the Bahama Islands after aerial refueling with another NJ ANG aircraft, a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 108th Wing, Jan. 23, 2022, enroute to Naval Air Station Key West, Fla. The NJ ANG fighter jets and tanker aircraft took off from the 156th Wing, Muñiz Air National Guard Base in Carolina, PR, after completing the NJ ANGs first Agile Combat Employment (ACE) training exercise. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Hunter Hires)

An air-to-air left side view of a 50th Tactical Fighter Wing F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft flying alongside a KC-135R Stratotanker before refueling. The F-16C is loaded with BDU-33 practice bombs. Country: North Sea

DF-ST-87-03947. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH '86-3 Country: Japan (JPN)

041110-F-2295B-029. Base: Unknown Country: United States Of America (USA)

020208-F-1851B-536. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

051215-N-9277A-003. Base: Naws China Lake State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-89-05871. Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 416th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., is in the process of a midair fuel transfer from a Royal Australian Air Force KC-30A tanker Dec. 3, 2015. This was the first flight as part of a coalition tanker aerial refueling certification effort to qualify Australian, United Arab Emirates and Italian tankers to refuel U.S. Air Force F-16s, F-15 Eagles, B-1B Lancers, and A-10 Thunderbolt IIs using their respective booms. The test team will check for qualities such as fuel pressure surges, stability of the aircraft being refueled and the handling qualities of the boom for certification.

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif., (June 5, 2012) An F-35A conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) aircraft conducts the first in-flight launch of an AIM-120 C5 missile. The aircraft, known as AF-1, launched the missile over the Point Mugu Sea Test Range from its internal weapons bay.

Su-24M frontline bomber plane and a Su-30SM jetfighter of the Russian Navy during aerial refueling.

April 22, 1999 - Two U.S. Air Force A-10A Warthogs in flight during a NATO Operation Allied Force combat mission. The A-10 Tank Killer munitions include 250 pound iron bombs, ALQ-131 electronic jamming pod, 2.75 inch Zuni rockets, AGM-65D Maverick missiles, and a 30mm cannon mounted in the nose.

A 509th Bombardment Wing FB-111A aircraft, armed with Mark 82 high drag practice bombs, flies along a coastline. Country: Unknown

US Air Force B-1B Lancer on combat patrol over Afghanistan

Ukrainian Air Force Su-27 and United States F-15 aircraft in flight.

An air-to-air left side view of a Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 321 (VMFA-321) F/A-18A Hornet aircraft returning to Naval Air Station, Fallon, after a close sir support training mission. The reserve squadron is at Fallon for two weeks of active duty training at the Naval Air Warfare Center target complex. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

AN air-to-air right side view of an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft carrying AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, banking to the right. Base: Hill Air Force Base State: Utah (UT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Two F-16C 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

DN-SC-89-09033. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron flies alongside two Polish F-16s in formation during the NATO Air Shielding media day, Oct. 12, 2022 at Łask Air Base, Poland. The Raptors uphold the Air Shielding mission alongside Polish F-16s and Italian Eurofighter Typhoons. The event showcased the importance of NATOs Air Shielding mission and the interoperability among the U.S. and NATO Allies to international media through trilateral aerial demonstrations and interviews with service members. The U.S. remains dedicated to our security commitments with our NATO Alliance and postured to defend NATO territory.

020502-F-0193C-007. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE 2002 Country: United States Of America (USA)

An air-to-air right side view of a Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 321 (VMFA-321) F/A-18A Hornet aircraft returning to Naval Air Station, Fallon, after a close sir support training mission. The reserve squadron is at Fallon for two weeks of active duty training at the Naval Air Warfare Center target complex. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-85-02152. Country: East China Sea

An air-to-air left side view of an F-16A Fighting Falcon aircraft from the 80th Tactical Fighter Squadron firing an AGM-65 Maverick missile. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

U.S. Air Force F-111 Aardvark

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