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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)

Five A-7E Corsair aircraft from Attack Squadron 72 (VA-72) fly in formation as they return to the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) in the Red Sea following a strike on targets in Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. Each aircraft carries an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile on its fuselage cheek-position point. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

October 13, 2009 - A six-ship formation of F-15C Eagle and F-15E Strike Eagles fly over the Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho.

DF-ST-86-09335. Base: San Francisco State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An air-to-air front view of three F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft flying in close formation. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron flies within the U.S. Central Command Area of responsibility, March 20, 2023. F-16 aircraft are deployed to the CENTCOM AOR to deter adversaries, provide combat airpower, and ensure regional security.

Military Jets Fixed Wing Boeing Aviat Airplanes F/A-18 Hornet fighter USN U.S. Navy runway takeoff landing

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.

A F-16AM Fighting Falcon jet fighter of the Belgian Air Force during a training flight.

An air-to-air left side view of four F-16A Fighting Falcon aircraft in an echelon formation, with the first two aircraft banking to the right. The aircraft are assigned to the 363rd Tactical Fighter Wing, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. Country: Unknown

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform for the Airshow London Skydrive in London, Ontario, September, 9, 2022. This was the Thunderbirds second performance in Canada for the 2022 season.

AN air-to-air right side view of an Egyptian air force F-4E Phantom II aircraft in formation with a 347th Tactical Fighter Wing F-4E aircraft during exercise PROUD PHANTOM. Subject Operation/Series: PROUD PHANTOM Base: Cairo West Country: Egypt (EGY)

A 509th Bombardment Wing FB-111 aircraft passes beneath the rising moon during a flight out of Pease Air Force Base, New Hampshire. State: New Hampshire (NH) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An air-to-air left side view of three Strike Fighter Squadron 136 (VFA-136) F/A-18C Hornet aircraft in formation. VFA-136 is embarked aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73). State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Su-30SM jet fighters of the Russian Navy flying over Saint Petersburg region, Russia.

Italian Air Force EF-2000 aircraft flying over Poland.

Aerial view of a squadron of fighter jets arrayed in precise formation on the sun-baked earth, ready for deployment, Tucson, Arizona, United States.

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds practice their aerial demonstration during the Aviation Nation 2022 air show preparation day Nov. 3, 2022, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. NAFB will celebrate the Air Forces 75th Anniversary with a two-day Air & Ground Expo, showcasing aerial demonstrations, static displays, along with Heritage displays.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the "Thunderbirds", perform in front of thousands of spectators at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, April 2, 2022. This was the team's second show of the season.

Complete display of ammunition, bombs and air target rockets that have a General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon at its disposal.

An F-15C Falcon from the 18th Aggressor Squadron, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, flies over a mountain range in Alaska during an excercise evolution that is a part of Northern Edge 2011. The U.S. Pacific Command directed excercise is taking place in the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex and has brought together nearly 6,000 participants from the U.S. Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard.

SAN DIEGO (Oct 3, 2015) U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, perform a high-speed diamond break-away maneuver at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show. The Blue Angels are scheduled to perform 68 demonstrations at 35 locations across the U.S. in 2015.

120131-N-BT887-132 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Jan. 31, 2012) An F/A-18C Hornet from the Golden Dragons of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 192 launches from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

A right side view of a formation of four F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft in flight over the pyramids during exercise Bright Star '82. Subject Operation/Series: BRIGHT STAR '82 Country: Egypt (EGY)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon takes off during Red Flag 14-1 on Jan. 28, 2014, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The mission of the 414th Combat Training Squadron, the unit that plans and executes Red Flag, is to maximize the combat readiness and survivability of participants by providing a realistic training environment. There are approximately 125 aircraft participating in the exercise. The F-16 is assigned to the 64th Aggressor Squadron at Nellis AFB.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform at their final show of the 2022 season, Aviation Nation, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Nov. 3, 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.

A US Navy F-14A Tomcat aircraft, foreground, flies alongside a Soviet Tu-142 Bear F aircraft. Country: Unknown

020410-F-6911G-015. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" perform a series of high show demonstrations during the Great Texas Airshow April 22 - 24, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas. Along with this year marking the Air Forces 75th anniversary, Joint Base San Antonio was celebrating the 80th birthday of Air Education and Training Command.

Two A-10 Thunderbolt's from the 124th Fighter Wing's 190th Fighter Squadron fly over the mountains in Central Idaho.

A view of an F-4G Phantom II aircraft banking to the right. The aircraft is from the 81st Tactical Fighter Squadron, 52nd Tactical Fighter Wing. Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Aimee Rebel” Fiedler, F-16 Viper Demonstration Team commander and pilot, performed at the NAS Oceana Air Show, VA, Sept. 17, 2022. The Viper Demo team mission is to inspire and recruit the next generation of pilots, maintainers and Airmen.

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II finishes a refueling over the Alaskan Range during Red Flag-Alaska, Eielson AFB, AK, June 24, 2010. More than 1,300 personnel are deployed here for the exercise which includes units from two international military partners. The exercise will end on June 25th.

A right side view of four F-4 Phantom II aircraft in flight during Operation Gunsmoke '81. Subject Operation/Series: GUNSMOKE '81 Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

AN air-to-air left side view of three A-7D Corsair II aircraft from Arizona National Guard. The aircraft, each in a different camouflage paint scheme, are being tested against forest and desert backgrounds for visibility. Base: Tucson Airport State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, The Thunderbirds, flies above a D.C. Air National Guard F-16 Fighting Falcon at Joint Base Andrews Air & Space Expo at Joint Base Andrews Air Base, Maryland, Sept. 17, 2022. The D.C. Air National Guard celebrated the Air Forces 75th anniversary Sept. 17-18, 2022 with youth groups, families, and veterans in attendance.

Instructor pilots assigned to the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program operate U.S. Air Force T-38C Talon aircraft above Wichita Falls, 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.

An F-16 assigned to the 162nd Wing, Morris Air National Guard Base, Tucson, Ariz., soars over the skies during a recent training Mission. Morris ANG Base is home to the Air National Guard's premier F-16 fighter pilot training unit, the 162nd Wing. It is one of the largest ANG wings in the country and resides next to the Tucson International Airport. The wing shares use of the runway, security and fire control with the airport. Guardsmen provide ready forces in support of civil authorities and wartime operations.

An air-to-air left side view of a 474th Tactical Fighter Wing (474th TFW) F-16A Fighting Falcon aircraft in flight over the Grand Canyon. The 474th TFW is based at Nellis Air Force Base, NV. State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

031229-F-9629J-002. Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

An air-to-air right side view of three A-7 Corsair aircraft assigned to the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV 66). Country: Egypt (EGY)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Logan Riordan, an instructor pilot assigned to the 97th Flying Training Squadron, operates a U.S. Air Force T-38C Talon aircraft above Wichita Falls, Texas, July 21, 2022. The 97th FTS, a reserve association of the 80th Flying Training Wing, aids in instructing students in the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program. The ENJJPT program, conducted by the 80th FTW, is the world's only multi-nationally manned and managed flying training program chartered to produce combat pilots for NATO.

An A-10, F-15E, F-15C and a F-16D from Nellis AFB, fly a finger tip formation over the Valley of Fire north of Nellis AFB. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Bulgarian Air Force MiG-21bis armed with R-60 missiles.

An F-22 Raptor executes a supersonic flyby over the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis during Northern Edge 2009, a joint exercise in Alaska focusing on detecting and tracking units at sea, in the air and on land. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Ronald Dejarnett)

Flying fighter with military ammunition during war conflict, warfare concept

U.S. Air Force Maj. Haden Fullam, A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team commander and pilot, flies over Fort Lauderdale, Florida, April 30, 2022. During the over-water performance, Fullam shot chaff and flare, highlighting one of the combat capabilities of the A-10.

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform at the Frontiers in Flight Open House and Air Show on McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, Sept. 24, 2022. The Thunderbirds represent the pride, precision and professionalism of 695,000 total force American Airmen across the globe.

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle flies above 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 by a sophisticated command and control

An F/A-18C Hornet together with a Model 560XL jet of the Swiss Air Force.

Air to air right side view of a formation of five F-15 Eagle fighters assigned to and lead by the flag ship of the 405th Tactical Training Wing (TTW) fly near Monument Valley, Arizona. Front to rear the aircraft are assigned to, 555th 550th TFTS (Tactical Fighter Training Squadron), 405th TTW, 426th and 461st TFTS, Luke AFB, Arizona. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Team Thunderbirds conduct a photo chase over Spaceport, New Mexico, Jan. 17, 2024. This winter training trip marks the third consecutive year the Thunderbirds have conducted winter training at Spaceport.

An air-to-air right side view of a Strike Fighter Squadron 136 (VFA-136) F/A-18C Hornet aircraft, armed with practice bombs, over a target area. The squadron is assigned to the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73). Country: Unknown

F-22 Raptor of the United States Air Force.

military aircraft in the air strong blurred, military aircraft in the air Copyright: xZoonar.com/MaximilianxBuzunx 14063289

DF-ST-86-05161. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER '84-7 Country: Philippines (PHL)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 18th Aggressor Squadron, Eielson Air Force Base, flies above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex during a training sortie for RED FLAG-Alaska 22-2, June 22, 2022. The 18th Aggressor Squadron supports RFA by sharing its knowledge of adversarial tactics, techniques, and procedures to participating units, ensuring the United States and its allies receive the best air combat training possible.

An air-to-air left side view of an F-16A Fighting Falcon aircraft from the 56th Tactical Training Wing, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. Country: Unknown

DN-SC-05-02422. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An air-to-air left side view of three Strike Fighter Squadron 136 (VFA-136) F/A-18C Hornet aircraft in formation. The squadron is assigned to the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73). Country: Unknown

DF-ST-86-03916. Subject Operation/Series: WILLIAM TELL '84 Country: Unknown

Four F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets assigned to the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds perform during the Aviation Nation 2022 air show at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Nov. 5, 2022. In addition to their responsibilities as the official U.S. Air Force aerial demonstration team, the Thunderbirds are part of our combat force. If required, the team's personnel and aircraft can be rapidly integrated into a fighter unit at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Since the aircraft are only slightly modified, they can be made combat-ready in less than 72 hours.

A Bulgarian Air Force MiG-29s during a training mission over Bulgaria.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 61st Fighter Squadron and T-38A Talons assigned to the 2d Fighter Training Squadron fly in formation over southern Idaho, Sept. 14, 2022. The units, assigned to Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, and Eglin AFB, Florida, traveled to Idaho for a training exercise as the F-35 student pilots basic course capstone.

Israeli Air Force F-16 during Exercise Iniohos 2018, Greece.

An air-to-air left side view of an F-4G Phantom II Wild Weasel aircraft from the 81st Tactical Fighter Squadron, Spangdahlem Air Base, West Germany. Country: Federal Republic Of Germany (FRG)

A U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle flies over Klamath Falls, Oregon, June 25, 2022. The F-15s primary mission is a tactical fighter, and it can carry a variety of ordnance to include AIM-9 and AIM-120s.

March 19, 2007 - An Air Force heritage flight consisting of a P-51 Mustang, an F-4 Phantom, an A-10 Thunderbolt and an F-16 Fighting Falcon fly over the Arizona desert.

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" perform their demonstration during the Shaw Air & Space Expo at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, April 3, 2022. The Shaw Air & Space Expo is dedicated to the Airmen who have served the past 75 years and honors their legacy of innovation and their work to make America the leader in airpower and space power.

DN-SC-89-11084. Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Taylor Hudson, a student pilot assigned to the 149th Fighter Wing, Air National Guard, conducts preflight checks prior to launch during Coronet Cactus, March 31, 2023, at Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. The annual training event deploys members of the 149th Fighter Wing, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, to another environment in order to familiarize them with accomplishing mission objectives in an unfamiliar location.

Two F-16A Air-Defense Fighter (ADF) Fighting Falcons of the 178th Fighter Squadron, North Dakota Air National Guard, are seen in a turn during an early morning Combat Air Patrol mission over Washington D.C., Nov. 11, 2001.

DF-SC-86-05751. Country: Unknown

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, headline the OC Air Show in Ocean City, Maryland, June 10, 2022. The Thunderbirds are slated to perform nearly seventy air shows in almost three dozen different locations this year.

Two F-16C Fighting Falcon Block 52 aircraft's from the 169th Fighter Wing, McEntire Air National Guard Station, South Carolina, fly beside a C-130 Hercules aircraft. The F-16'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

U.S. Air Force T-38A Talons assigned to the 2d Fighter Training Squadron fly over Jacksonville, Florida, Oct. 9, 2022. The 2d FTS provided a military flyover for the Texans versus Jaguars NFL game.

An air-to-air right side view (from top to bottom) of an E-2C Hawkeye aircraft from Airborne Early Warning Squadron 113 (VAW-113), an F-14 Tomcat aircraft from Fighter Squadron 124 (VF-124), an F-5E Tiger II aircraft from Fighter Squadron 126 (VF-126) and a TA-4 Skyhawk aircraft from Fighter Squadron 126 (VF-126). State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An air-to-air right side view of a Naval Air Reserve Attack Squadron 305 (VA-305) A-7B Corsair II aircraft. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. (April 22, 2015) The Navy's unmanned X-47B receives fuel from an Omega K-707 tanker while operating in the Atlantic Test Ranges over the Chesapeake Bay. This test marked the first time an unmanned aircraft refueled in flight.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Richard Turner, 40th Flight Test Squadron commander flies 40 FLTS Senior Enlisted Leader, MSgt Tristan McIntire during a test sortie in the F-15EX Eagle II over the Gulf of Mexico on Jun. 14, 2022. Assigned to the 96th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., the F-15EX Eagle II is the Air Forces newest 4th generation fighter being tested at the 40 FLTS.

An air-to-air left side view of a flight of four F-5 Talon fighters flying in a finger-tip formation over Monument Valley. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Base: Luke Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Vector illustration military combat airplane silhouettes set

DF-ST-88-01016. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Italian Air Force EF-2000 Typhoon during Exercise NATO Tiger Meet 2018, Poland.

An F-16 assigned to the 162nd Wing, Morris Air National Guard Base, Tucson, Ariz., soars over the skies during a recent training Mission. Morris ANG Base is home to the Air National Guard's premier F-16 fighter pilot training unit, the 162nd Wing. It is one of the largest ANG wings in the country and resides next to the Tucson International Airport. The wing shares use of the runway, security and fire control with the airport. Guardsmen provide ready forces in support of civil authorities and wartime operations.

A right side view of a four-ship wedge formation of F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft in flight. The aircraft, from the 35th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, are carrying AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles for Exercise Sandgroper '82. Subject Operation/Series: SANDGROPER '82 Base: Perth Country: Australia (AUS)

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