Modern Military Aircraft in Flight

Photographs of various military jets in mid-air, featuring F-16s and F/A-18s, highlighting aerial maneuvers and refueling operations.

F-14 Tomcats display low-visibility paint and gloss gray paint.

040429-F-7709A-002. Country: Gulf Of Mexico

031206-F-2295B-009. Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: acc

F3228-95-SPT-1384-1469. Subject Operation/Series: ROVING SANDS '95 Base: Roswell State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An air-to-air top front view of an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft in preparation for refueling, taken from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft during a flight from March Air Force Base, Calif., to Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

011107-F-5795G-002. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

Two F-16 Block 52 aircraft's from the 157th Fighter Squadron, 169th Fighter Wing, McEntire Air National Guard Station, South Carolina, in flight. Country: Unknown

040115-F-7709A-004. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

F-14 Tomcats display low-visibility paint and gloss gray paint.

An air-to-air right side view of a Fighter Squadron 143 (VF-143) F-14B Tomcat aircraft taking part in a training exercise over Virginia. State: Virginia(VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020612-F-7709A-002. State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force EF-111 Raven deployed to Aviano Air Base, Italy, from the 429th Electronic Combat Squadron, Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, flies over the Alps of Northern Italy while on a mission. The EF-111 Raven is designed to provide electronic countermeasures support for tactical air forces and will detect, sort, identify and nulify different enemy radar. The Raven is deployed in Aviano Air Base, Italy, from the 429th Electronic Combat Squadron, Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico and is in support of the operation to enforce the no fly zone over Bosnia. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: DENY FLIGHT Country: Italy (ITA)

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle from the 414th Fighter Group and an F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 309th Fighter Squadron fly alongside a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 197th Air Refueling Squadron during a training mission above Arizona, Aug. 6, 2022. The 161st Air Refueling Wing out of the Goldwater Air National Guard Base, conducts refueling missions with regional partners regularly to help ensure mission readiness.

A F-16A Fighting Falcon aircraft of the Royal Norwegian air force launchers an AGM-119A Penguin anti-ship missile during testing. Country: Norway(NOR)

A 53rd Tactical Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagle aircraft refuels from a KC-135E Stratotanker of the 128th Air Refueling Group, Wisconsin National Guard, while another F-15C waits its turn during Open Gate '89. Open Gate is a Joint Chiefs of STAFF/NATO exercise designed to simulate air and sea power tactics required to keep the Straits of Gibraltar open during a crisis. Subject Operation/Series: OPEN GATE '89 Base: Moron Air Base State: Sevilla Country: Spain (ESP)

An air-to-air right side view of two F-15E Eagle aircraft. The plane in the foreground, piloted by LT. COL. M. Decuir and LT. COL. John M. Delouey of the 336th Tactical Fighter Squadron (336th TFS), is equipped with an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile, Mark 5 bombs and a Low Altitude Navigation Targeting Infrared for Night (LANTIRN) pod. The F-15E in the background, flown by CAPT. Mark W. Mouw and CAPT. Gregory W. Torba of the 336th TFS, is also equipped with a LANTIRN pod. Country: Unknown

040519-N-6436W-001. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

An air-to-air right side view of two Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32) F-14A Tomcat aircraft returning to the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) following FLEET EX 1-90. The aircraft are armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. Subject Operation/Series: FLEET EX 1-90 Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DF-ST-88-08402. Country: Holland / Netherlands (HOL)

TWO USAF F-15E STRIKE EAGLES JET JETS DEFENSE DEFENSIVE AIRCRAFT

An air-to-air right side view of a 50th Tactical Fighter Wing F-16A Fighting Falcon aircraft in formation with a 36th Tactical Fighter Wing F-15D Eagle aircraft during a dissimilar aircraft combat tactics exercise. Country: Spain (ESP)

F-15 Eagle aircraft are put through maneuvers during a combat safety training mission. The aircraft are armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. Country: Unknown

An air to air left underside view of two US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles from the 494th Fighter Squadron, Lakenheath Royal Air Force, England. The aircraft are flying sorties in support of the enforcement of a NATO no fly zone over Bosnia-Herzegovina. Subject Operation/Series: DENY FLIGHT Country: Adriatic Sea

030905-F-7709A-002. Country: Gulf Of Mexico Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

020501-F-7203T-018. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE 2002 Country: United States Of America (USA)

An air-to-air right side view of an F-15 Eagle from the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing aircraft enroute to Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. to participate in Exercise William Tell '84. The aircraft is part of the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan. Subject Operation/Series: WILLIAM TELL '84 Country: Unknown

A U.S. Navy F-14A Tomcat returning from an Operation Southern Watch mission.

030114-F-2171A-005. State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AETC/ANG

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons with Luke Air Force base prepare to be refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 161st Air Refueling Wing during a local sortie on Aug. 6, 2022. The 161st out of Goldwater Air National Guard Base, conducts regular air refueling missions with their regional partners at Luke Air Force Base.

DN-SC-87-10635. Country: Indian Ocean (IOC)

An F-15 Eagle aircraft from the 67th Fighter Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, flies alongside a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft prior to being refueled while flying over the Pacific Ocean. Country: Unknown

DF-ST-85-02164. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH 84-1 Base: Chitose Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

DF-ST-88-03826. Subject Operation/Series: SOLID SHIELD Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron returns to patrol after refueling from a KC-10 Extender assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron over an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Oct. 31, 2022. Fighter aircraft routinely conduct presence patrols within the CENTCOM AOR to reassure allies and ensure regional security.

AN air-to-air right side of an A-7D Corsair II aircraft from the Arizona National Guard. The aircraft, in a camouflage paint scheme, is being tested over desert and forest background for visibility. In the background are two other A-7s. State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

LARISSA AIR BASE, Greece. - Airmen from the 134th Air Refueling Wing refuel F-16s from the 337th Fighter Squadron based on Larissa Air Base on June 27th, 2023. The 134th was supporting Thracian Sentry 2023, a joint operation between the 134th, Hellenic and Bulgaria Air Forces.

An air-to-air, right side view of three Strike Fighter Squadron 136 (VFA-136) F/A-18C Hornet aircraft. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A front view of a four-ship formation of F-15 Eagle aircraft as one of them breaks away. The Eagles, carrying AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, are from the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing, involved in exercise Pacific Consort. Subject Operation/Series: PACIFIC CONSORT Country: Australia (AUS)

Five F-16s from the 347th Composite Wing, 69th Fighter Squadron Moody AFB, Georgia prepare for refueling inflight from a KC-135 Stratotanker with the refueling boom extended. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT TASK FORCE 95-3 Base: Moody Air Force Base State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

F-14A Tomcat aircraft fly in formation as they prepare for refueling during Operation Desert Storm. The two aircraft in the foreground are from Fighter Squadron 103 (VF-103) while the two in the background are from Fighter Squadron 74 (VF-74). Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

An F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the U.S. Air Force Weapons School is piloted by Maj. Douglas Mayo, 64th Aggressor Squadron instructor pilot, during a training mission Sept. 22, 2022, over the Nevada Test and Training Range, Nevada. The Aggressor program began in the fall of 1972 with the activation of the 64th Aggressor Squadron. This program started as a direct result of the high air combat loss rate experienced in the Vietnam War.

USN F-14 TOMCAT FLYING OVER CLOUDS

040814-F-6740T-077. Country: Iraq (IRQ)

DF-ST-88-04627. Base: Southern State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An air-to-air left side view of Strike Fighter Squadron 136 (VFA-136) F/A-18C Hornet aircraft in formation over the Persian Gulf. Country: Unknown

A view of two Attack Squadron 72 (VA-72) A-7E Corsair aircraft en route to their targets during Operation Desert Storm. The aircraft are carrying Mark 20 Rockeye II anti-tank cluster bombs on their outboard wing pylons and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles on their fuselage pylons. VA-72 is based aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67), which is operating in the Red Sea. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Iraq (IRQ)

021115-F-7709A-009. Base: Destin State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A close-up of an F-16 Falcon from the 347th Composite Wing, 69th Fighter Squadron Moody AFB, Georgia as it returns to base after a long 3.4 hour bombing mission. An AIM-9 Sidewinder is visible under the wing. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT TASK FORCE 95-3 Base: Moody Air Force Base State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A 35th Tactical Fighter Wing F-4G Phantom II aircraft approaches the refueling boom of a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft while on a training flight during Operation Desert Shield. The aircraft is carrying external fuel tanks on its outboard wing pylons and AGM-88A HARM high-speed anti-radiation missiles on its inboard wing pylons. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii - F-15B Eagles escort the first Hawaii-based C-17 Globemaster III to its home. Hickam is the first base outside the continental U.S. to permanently host the C-17.

An air-to-air view of three F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft of the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing en route to Saudi Arabia for Operation Desert Shield. Each aircraft is carrying external fuel tanks, AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles and an AN/ALQ-131 electronic countermeasures (ECM) pod. The center aircraft is also carrying a low altitude navigation, targeting infrared night (LANTIRN) navigation pod on the left side of its engine intake. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Unknown

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

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15MJ prepares to refuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker during Cope North 24 over the Northern Mariana Islands Feb. 20, 2024. Participants exercise interoperability during Cope North 24 through agile combat employment and integrated generation of Air Power from dispersed locations across the Indo-Pacific. Air Force

Two U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornets fly in formation with a McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, KC-46A Pegasus June 6, 2022, located above the Pacific Ocean during Air Mobility Commands Employment Concept Exercise 22-06. The exercise tested McConnell and Pease Air National Guard Base, N.H., airframes and aircrew to practice joint interoperability in a multi-domain environment to build real-world proficiency.

An air-to-air left side view of a Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32) F-14A Tomcat aircraft over the Caribbean Sea. Country: Caribbean Sea

The F-15 Eagle's final training mission over the the Atlantic Ocean.

DF-SC-88-08438. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

February 14, 2006 - Four Royal Australian Air Force F-111 aircraft head out to the ranges on Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, during Red Flag 06-1.

An air-to-air left side view of an F-14A Tomcat aircraft, wings swept back, from Fighter Squadron 111 (VF-111) assigned to the aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63). Country: Unknown

A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornet banks left in formation alongside a McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, KC-46A Pegasus June 6, 2022, during Air Mobility Commands Employment Concept Exercise 22-06. The F/A-18 just received fuel and is waiting for his wingman to finish his refuel by the Pegasus. McConnell aircrew and tankers provided aerial refueling in the Indo-Pacific Theater to practice joint interoperability in a multi-domain environment to build real-world proficiency and readiness.

020424-F-0193C-004. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE 2002 Country: United States Of America (USA)

220804-N-CR843-0088 MISAWA, Japan (Aug. 04, 2022) A EA-18G Growler assigned to the Star Warriors of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 209 conducts intercept training with a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft assigned to the Fighting Tigers of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8 over the Pacific Ocean off the coast of northern Japan. VP-8 is currently deployed to NAF Misawa, Japan conducting maritime patrol and reconnaissance and theater outreach operations within U.S. 7th Fleet (C7F) area of operations in support of Commander, Task Force 72, C7F, and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command objectives throughout the region.

DF-ST-89-06352. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH 88-3 Country: Japan (JPN)

An aerial view of two United States Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornets with a Malaysian Air Force Mig-29 Fulcrum above the South China Sea, Malaysia.

DM-SC-89-07914. Country: Unknown

An air-to-air left side view of four F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft in use during a tactical large force employment exercise. The aircraft are from the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Kunsan Air Base, Korea. Country: Unknown

Pacific Ocean, November 13, 2004 - Two F/A-18C Hornets fly over the Pacific Missile Range Facility armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles and MK-83 1000 pound general purpose bombs.

An F/A-18F Super Hornet conducts a captive carry flight test of an AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile.

A KC-135R Stratotanker from the 155th Air Refueling Wing, Nebraska National Guard, completes a refueling mission of two German Tornado, Sept. 9, 2022, during Ample Strike Exercise. Ample Strike allows the Czech Republic, U.S., Allies and partner forces to maximize interoperability, combat effectiveness and survival awareness while operating in a dynamic and simulated high threat environment through operational and tactical training. Successful partnering activities like this result in progressive relationships and enhanced interoperability and lead to tangible, mutual benefits that improve regional security, access and coalition operations during peacetime, contingencies and crises.

DF-ST-86-11971. Country: Spain (ESP)

An F-15E Strike Eagle turns away after recieving fuel from a KC-10 durring a mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

One USN A-6E Intruder, VA-34 Blue Blaster Attack Squadron, refuels a French Navy Dassault Super Etendard fighter bomber, while a second Super Etendard flies along side, in-flight over the western Mediterranean. The A-6E is from the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73) and the Super Etendards are from the French aircraft carrier CLEMENCEAU (R-98). Both carriers are conducting a passing exercise that also includes their respective air wings. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

020424-F-0193C-010. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE 2002 Country: United States Of America (USA)

Above white clouds an F-16 "Fighting Falcon" from the 389th Fighter Squadron, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho is being refueled, while another waits on the wing, by a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 93rd Air Refueling Squadron, Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. The aircraft are participating in the Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI), which tests a unit's ability to operate in a simulated wartime environment. Subject Operation/Series: CRISIS REACH 95-02NORTHERN PIKE Base: Malstrom Air Force Base State: Montana (MT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Egyptian Air Force F-16 aircraft conduct aerial training operations with U.S. Air Force partners in support of exercise Agile Phoenix within the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility June 29, 2022. Agile Phoenix is a joint agile combat employment exercise focused on enhancing interoperability and ensuring regional security.

011005-F-7910D-001. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Combat Command

A left echelon in flight formation of four F/A-18A Hornet aircraft of Marine Reserve Strike Fighter Squadron 321 (VMFA-321) returning from a close air support mission on the "Bravo-19" target range at the Naval Air Warfare Center complex. The reserve unit is performing their two week annual duty for training. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, assigned to the 179th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, carries out aerial operations in the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility, April 28, 2022. The 179th EFS delivers airpower and showcases U.S. commitment to deterrence and regional stability.

F/A-18C Hornet jet fighters of the Swiss Air Force flying over a snow covered Axalp, Switzerland.

An F-15 Eagle with the 159th Fighter Wing out of Louisiana flies 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 the F-15s tail.

DF-ST-86-12599. Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

971016-F-0024F-002. Base: RAF Mildenhall Country: Great Britain / England (GBR)

010205-F-1631A-002. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

DF-ST-87-09057. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A KC-135 Stratotanker from Fairchild Air Force Base refuels an F-16 Fighting Falcon over New Mexico April 14, 2022. Crews from Fairchild provided air refueling support during a training mission, allowing the F-16 crews to maintain mission readiness.

010205-F-1631A-001. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Two F-22 Raptors fly over during a theater security mission, Pacific Ocean

DF-SC-85-01775. Country: Unknown

An air-to-air left side view of a 430th Tactical Fighter Squadron (430th TFS) F-16A Fighting Falcon aircraft in flight over the Grand Canyon. The 430th TFS is part of the 474th Tactical Fighter Wing based at Nellis Air Force Base, NV. State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-87-03858. Base: Northern Spain Country: Spain (ESP)

A left side view of two F-16A Fighting Falcon aircraft, seen from inside another Falcon's canopy, in flight. The aircraft are from the 35th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, being deployed to Kunsan Air Base, Korea. The leading aircraft is shown equipped with a luggage pod on the left wing and auxiliary fuel tanks. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Two F-15 Eagle aircraft's from the 67th Fighter Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, fly fly in formation prior to being refueled while flying over the Pacific Ocean. Country: Unknown

Australian F-111 Aardvark above the clouds during a Red Flag exercise at Nellis AFB, NV.

010810-F-7910D-012. Base: Buckley Field State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

DN-SC-89-05117. State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Four RF-4C Phantom II aircraft from the 152nd Tactical Reconnaissance Group, Nevada Air National Guard, fly in formation over Lake Tahoe. State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 64th Aggressor Squadron flies over the Nevada Test and Training Range during Weapons School Integration 22-A at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, May 19, 2022. The principal testament to the value of the Aggressor program is the consistent dominance of the U.S. Air Force during recent conflicts.

An underside shot of an F-16C Fighting Falcon Block 52 aircraft from the 157th Fighter Squadron, 169th Fighter Wing, South Carolina Air National Guard, in flight. The aircraft is armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles and AIM-120 AMRAAM's (advanced medium-range air-to-air missile). Country: Unknown

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