Modern Fighter Jets

Dynamic images of advanced U.S. military fighter jets, including F-35 and F-22, in action at air bases, showcasing modern aviation technology and readiness.

U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning nose detail.
U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning nose detail.
145 assets in this story
6145-51885041
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Danielle Hatch, a crew chief with the 60th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, prepares to marshall an F-35A Lightning II at Burlington Air National Guard Base, Vermont, July 14, 2022. Airmen with the 33rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and 33rd Maintenance Squadron are conducting remote training, July 9-29, to exercise the Agile Combat Employment concept.
6145-54194136
U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagles are parked during Exercise Pitch Black 2022 at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, Australia, Sept. 1, 2022. The exercise focused on the tactical execution of Large Force Employment Offensive Counter Air and Counter Land operations in a multi-national coalition environment to enhance interoperability among the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, and United Kingdom forces.
6145-54240873
220905-N-XN177-1274 SOUTH CHINA SEA (Sept. 5, 2022) - An F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 (Reinforced) launches from amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) Sept. 5, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
6145-54238257
U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Steven Engelhardt, Plane Captain from Marine Operational Test & Evaluation Squadron One, walks away as the U.S. Air Force F-35A Lighting II he prepared for flight is taxed towards the runway at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Sept. 21, 2022. Members of the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps took part in joint interoperability maintenance and logistics training during Black Flag.
6145-51904223
A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing in RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom takes off to train and integrate with the Royal Netherlands Air Force and U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors from the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Oct. 17, 2022 at Leeuwarden Air Base, Netherlands. The 90th EFS conducted agile combat employment (ACE) and integrated with Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs and U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing in RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom. Continued collaboration and integration on ACE alongside our RNLAF counterparts and other NATO Allies improves the resilience and survivability of coalition airpower.
6145-48907452
A 3- ship of U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors, 3rd Fighter Wing, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, fly over the Nevada Test and Training Range for a training mission during Red Flag 11-3, March 2, 2011. Red Flag is a realistic combat training exercise involving the air forces of the United States and its allies. The exercise is hosted north of Las Vegas on the Nevada Test and Training Range.
6145-51913569
U.S. Air Force Airmen 1st Class Thatcher Deese, left, crew chief, and Capt. Swiss” Ritschard, F-22 Raptor pilot, both assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, guide an F-22 Raptor to park during Ritschard’s ‘Crew Chief for a Day’ immersion at Łask Air Base, Poland, Sept. 5, 2022. ‘Crew Chief for a Day” allows pilots to embed with maintenance personnel through daily tasks such as inspections, recovery, and refueling. The immersion helps to bolster morale and team building within the squadron. The 90th’s presence in the region strengthens U.S. and NATO’s unity each day as forces come together to train and deter in an ever-evolving threat environment.
6145-54166496
Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Lt. Col. Yoshihiko Ida, 301st Tactical Fighter Squadron commander, shows Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Ambassador to Japan, a JASDF F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter during the ambassadors visit at Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 22, 2022. Emanuel visited Misawa to build relationships with personnel and gain a better understanding of their overall joint and bilateral mission, capabilities, and comprehensive duties.
6145-54235249
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Neil Bradley, 94th Fighter Generation Squadron assisted dedicated crew chief, prepares to send off an F-22 Raptor assigned to the 1st Fighter Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, during Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 22.12 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 16, 2022. WSEP-E 22.12 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.
6145-54136643
U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 taxis down the flight line for routine flight operations during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, May 12, 2022. The Indo-Pacific is a top priority for the United States, and exercises like Red Flag-Alaska are committed to ensuring U.S. forces are capable and ready to face the evolving challenges in the region.
6145-54108952
A pilot assigned to the 134th Fighter Squadron, 158th Fighter Wing, prepares to take off in an F-35A Lightning II fifth generation aircraft from the Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont, May 2, 2022. The aircraft departed to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, to continue NATOs Enhanced Air Policing mission along the Eastern Flank.
6145-51910306
U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron taxi for their first flight in Norway, Sept. 13, 2022, at Ørland Main Air Station. The 90th EFS forward deployed to Norway to conduct an agile combat employment (ACE) exercise with the Royal Norwegian Air Force. Executing ACE alongside Allies and partners allows the U.S. Air Force to enhance partner force interoperability and increase domain awareness and survivability in an ever-evolving threat environment.
6145-54140510
220613-N-XN177-1104 PHILIPPINE SEA (June 13, 2022) - An F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 121 launches from the flight deck of amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), June 13, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
6145-48919993
100330-N-9565D-078ANDREWS AFB, Md. (March 30, 2010) An F/A-18 Super Hornet from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 with green markings and the U.S. Department of the Navy Energy Security logo is in the hangar at Andrews Air Force Base. VX-23 will be testing the full envelope of the Super Hornet with a drop in replacement biofuel made from the camelina plant in an effort to certify alternative fuels for naval aviation use.
6145-52156330
980423-F-7910D-010. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC
6145-52192850
After a night reconnaissance mission US Air Force (USAF) F-16 Fighting Falcons, 410th Air Expeditionary Wing (AEW), return to a forward deployed location during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown
6145-52213251
040514-N-0295M-031. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)
6145-51900335
U.S. Air Force Capt. Matthew James, an instructor pilot with the 60th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing, prepares to take off from Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, to conduct a flyover at the Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida, Sept. 25, 2022. Flyovers allow pilots to further their tactical expertise and serve as a recruiting tool to influence the newest generations of U.S. Airmen.
6145-58900121
A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II jet with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 542 executes flight operations in preparation for Exercise Nordic Response 24 in Norway, Feb. 22, 2024. Exercise Nordic Response, formerly known as Cold Response, is a NATO training event conducted every two years to promote military competency in arctic environments and to foster interoperability between the U.S. Marine Corps and allied nations. Exercise Nordic Response 24 is VMFA-542's first overseas operational exercise as an F-35B Lightning II jet squadron. Marine Corps
6145-54200843
U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II maintainers assigned to the 495th Fighter Squadron from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, inspect an F-35 after landing for Tactical Leadership Programme 22-3 at Los Llanos Air Base, Spain, Sept. 15, 2022. This marks the first time USAFE based F-35s have attended TLP, showcasing the capabilities of the fifth-generation fighter to NATO allies.
6145-54157410
Airmen assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing, taxi in an F-35A Lightning II aircraft that landed at the Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont, July 12, 2022. The 33rd Fighter Wing is utilizing the Vermont Air National Guard air space to continue effective flying operations during hazardous summer weather at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
6145-55146098
A U.S. Air Force F-35 lands for a refuel in support of Valiant Shield 22 on Palau, June 11, 2022. Exercises such as Valiant Shield allows the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Forces the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
6145-54092030
A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 3rd Wing takes off from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport during Polar Force 22-4 in Anchorage, Alaska, April 7, 2022. The F-22 increases lethality against all advanced air threats by minimizing enemy capabilities to track and engage with the jet due to its stealth, integrated avionics, and supercruise characteristics. The F-22s characteristics provide synergistic effects, increasing lethality against all advanced air threats.
6145-54430079
DF-ST-85-12513. Base: Palmdale State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
6177-V70813168
6145-54157402
F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 33rd Fighter Wing, taxi after landing at the Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont, July 12, 2022. The 33rd Fighter Wing is utilizing the Vermont Air National Guard air space to continue effective flying operations during hazardous summer weather at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
6145-58886717
A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team performs a practice airshow performance at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Jan. 11, 2023. The F-35 Demo Team performs rehearsal flights regularly to maintain flying certifications and to uphold and maintain their mission and Air Force recruiting standards.
6145-54148489
U.S. Air Force Maj. Kristen Beo Wolfe, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team Commander with the 388th Fighter Wing, flies over the crowd during the Warriors Over the Wasatch Air and Space Show on June 25, 2022 at Hill Air Force Base, Utah.
6145-54222072
A Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team pilot performs an aerial demonstration 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.
6145-54198687
An F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 158th Fighter Wing taxis after landing at the Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont, Aug. 2, 2022. This week, F-35A Lightning II Aircraft, equipment, and personnel from the 158th Fighter Wing begin returning home from a three month overseas deployment at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.
6145-55872238
The U.S. Air force 354th Air Expeditionary Wing and Marine Aircraft Group 12 performed a capabilities demonstration during a pre-planned readiness exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, July 7, 2022. The demonstration included five U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets, eight F-35B Lightning IIs, a KC-130J Super Hercules, 10 U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors and 10 F-35A Lightning II aircraft, showcasing a high level of readiness and joint service capability in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. MCAS Iwakuni is uniquely qualified to enable the Joint Force, be it through providing use of the station's collocated harbor and airfield, serving as a staging point for non-organic aircraft operations, or any number of other operational activities.
6145-51869391
F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 419th Fighter Wing, Hill Air Force Base, Utah sit on the runway before the sun rises during exercise Sentry Savannah at the Air Dominance Center in Savannah, Georgia on May 6, 2022. Sentry Savannah is a joint force integrated exercise of fourth and fifth generation fighter jets, designed to showcase the Air Forces air combat readiness in preparation for tomorrows fight.
6145-52192830
030320-F-5712B-016. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown
6177-V53557807
6145-54228912
A U.S. Air Force maintainer from the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron prepares an F-22 Raptor for takeoff to forward deploy and integrate with the Royal Norwegian Air Force, Sept. 13, 2022. The 90th EFS forward deployed to Ørland Main Air Station, Norway to execute ACE alongside Allies and partners to enhance partner force interoperability and increase domain awareness and survivability in an ever-evolving threat environment.
6145-54197809
U.S. Air Force Maj. Joshua Gunderson, Air Combat Command F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team commander from Langley Air Force Base, Hampton, Va., performs during the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 31, 2022. The team also joins up with Air Force Heritage flight, exhibiting the professional qualities the Air Force develops in the people who fly, maintain, and support these aircraft.
6145-52222101
041030-F-5355S-002. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
6177-V53557905
6145-52899423
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Matthew Evers, 71st Fighter Squadron director of operations, parks an F-22 Raptor at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Mar. 29, 2023. Airmen and senior leadership from the 1st Fighter Wing gather to welcome the first two F-22 Raptors, tails AF040 and AF042, beginning the establishment of the 1st FWs new Formal Training Unit.
6145-52092496
TSGT Richard Dinges, left, and SSGT Tim Padmore, both members of the Air Force Thunderbirds Air Demonstration Squadron maintenance crew, stand at the wingtips of the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft they service. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)
6145-58901749
Senior Airman Ian House, 4th Fighter Squadron advanced fighter aircraft integrated avionics technician, speaks to exhibitioners about the U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III during the Singapore Airshow 2024 at Changi Exhibition Center, Republic of Singapore, Feb. 24, 2024. The U.S. Department of Defense participated in the airshow as an opportunity to sharpen ties with Singapore, demonstrate flexible aircraft capability, enable engagement with foreign partners, and expand power projection capabilities. Air Force
6145-52226882
050118-F-6340W-110. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)
6177-V70815669
6145-54123421
A Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter assigned to the 301st Tactical Fighter Squadron sits on the flightline at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 21, 2022 during the Japanese-American Friendship Festival fireworks display. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, this year festival marks the first time Yokota has held the annual event since 2019. The festival is aimed at increasing bilateral relationships between U.S. and Japanese communities and allows people to see U.S. and Japanese military capabilities first-hand.
6145-54165943
The Japanese rocket team competing in the United Kingdom Rocketry Challenge pose for a photo at the Farnborough International Airshow in Farnborough, England, July 21, 2022. U.S. military support in the British-sponsored event demonstrates its strong European presence and strengthens ties with NATO allies and partners.