Modern Air Force Operations

Photographs feature advanced military jets, showcasing aircraft readiness and maintenance operations within air force bases, highlighting modern military aviation capabilities.

Italian Air Force Tornado IDS aircraft.

Italian Air Force F-2000 taxiing.

Royal Thai Air Force Jas-39 Gripen.

030224-F-1798W-011. Subject Operation/Series: COPE TIGER 2003 Base: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon lands after a Red Flag 15-2 sortie March 11, 2015, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Red Flag provides a series of intense air-to-air scenarios for aircrew and ground personnel to increase their combat readiness and effectiveness for future real-world operations. The F-16 is assigned to the 421st Fighter Squadron at Hill AFB, Utah.

Two EAV-8B+ aircraft aboard the Spanish aircraft carrier Príncipe de Asturias (R11).

An R-11 refueling truck operated by the 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron Fuels Management Flight dispenses fuel to an F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 14th Fighting Squadron, Misawa Air Base, Japan, during a week-long Agile Combat Employment training exercise, May 10, 2022, on Yokota Air Base, Japan. Twelve F-16s and crew members deployed to Yokota to participate in a week-long ACE training exercise aimed at enhancing multi-capable Airmens skillset.

DF-ST-86-12784. Subject Operation/Series: COPE MAX 85 Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender and several F-15 Strike Eagles conduct a partner nation integration event that included aerial refueling operations with the Israel Defense Forces within Israeli airspace on May 18, 2022. The KC-10 is assigned to 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) and supports multiple U.S., coalition and partner air force missions across U.S. Central Commands 21 nation area of responsibility.

Venezuelan Air Force F-16 at Natal Air Force Base, Brazil.

Left side view of a Marine A-4M Skyhawk aircraft sitting on the flight line. The A-4M is from Marine Light Attack Squadron 331 (VMAL-331). Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Royal Canadian Air Force CF-188 Hornet.

Romanian Air Force F-16AM Fighting Falcon on the ramp at BorceaAir Base, Romania.

Kazakhstan Air Defense Forces Su-25SM attack aircraft.

An Attack Squadron 36 (VA-36) A-6E Intruder aircraft lands on the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71) during Operation Deny Flight. Subject Operation/Series: DENY FLIGHT Country: Adriatic Sea

Royal Singapore Air Force F-16 Block52 during Exercise Cope Tiger 2016.

DF-ST-89-05284. Subject Operation/Series: DISTANT MARINER Base: Andersen Air Force Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Nanchang Q-5 fighter jet from a squadron of Chinese Air Force jets. China. 1997.

An F-14A Tomcat aircraft arrives at the station as aircraft of Carrier Air Wing 3 (CVW-3) and CVW-17 return from service in the Persian Gulf area during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Left side view of an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft landing. Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Italian Air Force F-2000A at Ovda Air Base, Israel.

Mix formation of jets during Exercise NATO Tiger Meet 2018, Poland.

A member from the Turkish Air Force marshals a Turkish Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon during Exercise Poggio Dart at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Nov. 8, 2022. Poggio Dart is a NATO led exercise focused on strengthening interoperability between allies from the United States, Italian, Turkish, and Hellenic Air Forces.

F-15C Eagles from the 19th Fighter Squadron, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, sit on the Elmendorf flight line, prepared and ready for their next mission. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE '96 Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020208-F-1631A-012. Base: Zaragosa Air Base Country: Spain (ESP) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Northrop NF-5A Freedom Fighter.The kite is ready for departure.

A left front view of an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft from the 81st Tactical Fighter Wing, participating in Exercise UREX '82. Subject Operation/Series: UREX '82 Base: Sembach Air Base Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

COL Eugene Myers, 51st Composite Wing commander, salutes upon his arrival aboard an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft to be assigned to the 25th Tactical Fighter Squadron. The assignment takes place during exercise Commando Vulcan. Subject Operation/Series: COMMANDO VULCAN Base: Suwon Air Base Country: Korea

U.S. Air Force Capt. Denver Coblentz, (right) a pilot with the South Carolina Air National Guards 157th Fighter Squadron and Colombian Air Force pilot, Maj. Kristian Romero get ready to fly in a KFIR fighter jet during Relampago VII, an exercise in Barranquilla, Colombia, Sept, 2, 2022. The purpose of this exercise is to provide the Colombian Air Force with requested realistic interoperability training as allied countries, under NATO standards. South Carolina is Colombias State Partner in the State Partnership Program.

030317-F-9629J-001. Subject Operation/Series: FOAL EAGLE AND RSO Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

Curtiss P-40 Warhawk on the ground

Seven A-4J Skyhawk aircraft of Fighter Squadron 43 (VF-43) are shown on the flight line at Naval Air Station Oceana being prepared for flight. This flight will be the last before the A-4 aircraft is retired from the Navy Inventory after 39 years of service. Three NC-8A aircraft servicing units are parked on the flight line in front of the aircraft. Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Col. Tom Sling Bladen, the previous wing commander of the 104th Fighter Wing, poses for a photo with pilots with the 131st Fighter Squadron after completing his fini flight on August 4, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. Fini flights or final flights are ceremonial flights performed at the conclusion of ones career or assignment. This flight concluded Bladens 25-year long career and over 2,400 flight hours in the F-15.

A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II on the ramp at Davis Monthan Air Force Base.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 555th Fighter Squadron from Aviano Air Base, Italy stands on display at the Farnborough International Airshow in Farnborough, England, July 20, 2022.U.S. military support in the British-sponsored event demonstrates our strong European presence and strengthens our ties with NATO allies and partners.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 309th Aircraft Maintenance Group attach new wings to an A-10C Thunderbolt II at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, June 21, 2022. The 309th AMXG arrived from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, to remove and replace the wings on an A-10C. The aircraft wings extraction and replacement process took three weeks to accomplish.

A plane captain speaks to the pilot of an Attack Squadron 72 (VA-72) A-7E Corsair aircraft on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). The aircraft, which bears a desert camouflage paint scheme, is assigned to the commander of Carrier Air Wing 3 (CVW-3). The camels painted beneath the aircraft's canopy indicate the number of missions flown by its pilot during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

A General Dynamics F-16A from the Klu and an American Air Force F-16B during Mot & E at the Leeuwarden Air Base.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 169th Fighter Wing return from Sentry Savannah 2022, the U.S. Air National Guard's annual premiere fighter jet exercise at the Air Dominance Center in Georgia, May 12, 2022. The 169th Fighter Wing is temporarily using the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, Lexington County, South Carolina, while runway repairs occur at McEntire Joint National Guard Base.

DF-ST-86-12031. Country: Unknown

A left front view of an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft of the 56th Fighter Interceptor Group parked on the flight line. Base: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base State: Ohio (OH) Country: United States Of America (USA)

L-159 attack aircraft of the Czech Air Force taking off.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 494th Fighter Squadron, from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, prepares to taxi prior to takeoff at Souda Air Base, Greece, July 15, 2022. The 494 FS flew two Strike Eagles from Souda AB to an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, where the aircraft landed, refueled and returned the same day.

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

Air to air view of AGM-65 Maverick air-to surface missiles on an F-16 Fighting Falcon, tail #609. Base: Eglin Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A 1ST Tactical Fighter Wing F-15C Eagle aircraft taxis toward its revetment during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

Russian Aerospace Forces Su-25SM attack aircraft.

Danish Air Force F-16AM jet with live missiles during an Air Policing mission.

F-16AM Fighting Falcon jet fighter of the Belgian Air Force.

Two U.S. Marine Corps officers stand in front of a Marine Attack Squadron 542 (VMA-542) AV-8B Harrier aircraft on display at the 1991 Paris Air Show. Base: Paris Country: France(FRA)

120714-N-VD564-182KANEOHE, Hawaii (July 14, 2012) An air-to-ground AGM-65 Maverick tactical missile is mounted on the wing of a P-3C Orion aircraft assigned to Patrol Squadron Four (VP) 4 before a scheduled missile strike exercise mission on a target at sea during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012. Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in the biennial RIMPAC exercise from June 29 to Aug. 3. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2012 is the 23rd exercise in the series that began in 1971.

DF-ST-86-09782. Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

031004-F-7169B-002. Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A left front view of an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft as an airman assists a pilot aboard. Base: Raf Bentwaters Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

DF-ST-85-01375. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER '84 Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Lindsay MAD Johnson, A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team commander and pilot, flies over Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, March 26, 2023. During the performance, Johnson showcased different aerial maneuvers, including simulated gun runs, highlighting the capabilities of the A-10.

DF-ST-86-07963. Base: Cairo West Country: Egypt (EGY)

Artwork: "F-16 Touchdown" Artist: Dick Kramer, USAF Art Collection. Country: Unknown

General Dynamics F-16s of 323 Squadron on the Flightline of the Leeuwarden airbase.

051109-N-3285B-109. Base: USS Peleliu (LHA 5) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft at Davis Monthan Air Force Base.

An EA-6B Prowler assigned to VAQ-130 lifts off from the flight deck of USS Harry S. Truman in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

DN-ST-89-11279. Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An right side view of an F-15A Eagle aircraft in flight during exercise SIDEWINDER II. The aircraft is assigned to the 71st Tactical Fighter Squadron, 1ST Tactical Fighter Wing. Subject Operation/Series: SIDEWINDER II Base: Amsterdam Country: Holland / Netherlands (HOL)

020920-F-4649H-029. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

DF-ST-87-11676. Subject Operation/Series: WILLIAM TELL '86 Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft assigned to the 104th Fighter Squadron, Maryland Air National Guard, prepares for takeoff from Andoya Air Base, heading to Setermoen Range to participate in the Swift Response exercise, May 12, 2022, in Andenes, Norway. Swift Response is an annual USAREUR-AF led multinational training exercise taking place throughout Eastern Europe, including the Arctic, Baltic Sea, and the Balkan Peninsula regions and is designed to enhance readiness and airborne interoperability with allies and partners.

A Bulgarian Air Force SU-25 jet during Exercise Thracian Star.

A Luftwaffe Tornado IDS over northern Germany during fueling training with a KC-135R of the 100th ARW, United States Air Force Europe.

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.

DF-ST-86-04907. Subject Operation/Series: COMMANDO WEST VIII Base: Tahkli Air Base Country: Thailand (THA)

Japanese Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) 304th Tactical Fighter Squadron (304th TFS) F-4EJ Phantom aircraft are parked on the flight line during Cope North 89-2, a quarterly, joint JASDF and U.S. Air Force exercise. Base: Tsuiki Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

A group of F-15C Eagles sit in a row at Muniz Air National Guard Base in Carolina, Puerto Rico in support of North American Aerospace Defense Commands (NORAD) Operation Noble Defender (OND), 27 June, 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

DF-ST-85-10638. Base: Eglin Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Colorado Air National Guard F-16C Jets during Exercise Air Defender 2023 in Jagel, Germany.

U.S. Marines with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 223 prepare an AV-B Harrier II jet for flight at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Aug. 30, 2022. AV-8B Harrier II jets assigned to VMA-223 were loaded with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles and ADM-141A Tactical Air-Launched Decoys for the pilots to practice air-to-air combat. VMA-223 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

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.

October 17, 2007 - A Bulgarian Air Force MiG-29 Fulcrum aircraft takes off for a combat training mission during exercise Rodopi Javelin 2007 at Graf Ignatievo Airfield, Bulgaria.

German Air Force EF-2000 aircraft flying over Poland.

DF-ST-86-05129. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER '84-7 Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

England, Shropshire, Royal Airforce Cosford Museum, Volunteer Maintenence Personnel at Work

Mirage F.1 fighter planes of the Royal Jordanian Air Force stationed at Azraq Air Force Base, Jordan.

A pair of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Su-22 fighter jets.

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. - F-16 Fighting Falcons from the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds rest idly under cloudy skies shortly after arriving at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, May 23, 2022. The Thunderbirds arrived ahead of their scheduled fly-over during the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation ceremony on May 25, 2022.

Military vehicle Armoured personnel carrier and Croatian air forces MIG 21 airplane in Turanj war museum, Croatia,

NC-10B powerplants are positioned at the end of a line of A-6E Intruder and F-14A Tomcat aircraft during servicing of the aircraft prior to a mission. Base: Nas, Roosevelt Roads State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-86-12658. State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 266 conduct preflight maintenance during French-Caribbean exercise Caraibes 22 at Muniz Air National Guard Base, Puerto Rico, June 12, 2022. Caraibes 22 is a French-led, large-scale, joint-training exercise in the Caribbean involving naval, air, and land assets from the French, U.S., and regional forces focused on responding to simulated-natural disasters. VMM-266 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

A Saab 35 dragons from the Danish Air Force during Mot & E at the Leeuwarden airbase.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The air crew for the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Demonstration Squadron show their precision formation as the planes prepare to take off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The squadron performed for the World Space Expos' aerial salute along with other aircraft that included the U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornets, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle, P-51 Mustang Heritage Flight, the U.S. Air Force 920th Rescue wing, which was responsible for Mercury and Gemini capsule recovery, and the U.S. Army Golden Knights precision skydiving team. The World Space Expo held Nov. 1-4 was an event commemorating humanity's first 50 years in space while looking forward to returning people to the moon and exploring beyond. The expo showcased various panels, presentations and educational programs. It also was a part of NASA's 50th anniversary celebrations, highlighting the 45th Anniversary of the Mercury Program celebration featuring original NASA astronauts

DF-ST-90-04079. Subject Operation/Series: COMMANDO WEST 89-1 Base: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA)

DN-SC-05-01689. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020429-F-4814D-058. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

Russian Air Force Su-25 during Aviadarts 2016 in Ryazan, Russia.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jacob Hancock, an F-16 Fighting Falcon mechanic assigned to the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, braves the cold and snow to close-up panels on the jet to prevent damage from inclement weather, Jan. 24, 2022. The 180FW performs daily training, conducted in realistic environments under realistic circumstances, ensuring our forces maintain the highest levels of proficiency and readiness for worldwide deployment. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Beth Holliker.

Static displays of a German air force Tornado, a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, and a U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle are seen by the local community at Buechel Air Base, Germany, May 7, 2022. Family Day provided an insight into what aircraft the U.S. and German air forces use to enhance the NATO mission.

Pair of Su-25 attack aircraft of the Russian Air Force landing.

A left side view of two F-101 Voodoo aircraft's landing and starting to deploy their drag chutes during exercise Sentry Castle '81. The aircraft are assigned to the 107th Fighter Interceptor Group, 136th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, New York Air National Guard. Subject Operation/Series: SENTRY CASTLE '81 Base: Niagara Falls State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Memorial of the heroic defense of Odessa, Ukraine Odessa, Ukraine. 25.08.2022. Memorial of the heroic defense of Odessa, Ukraine, on a sunny summer day. Coastal artillery no. 411 in World War 2 Copyright: xZoonar.com/Multipediax 19035762

031116-F-6911G-001. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

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