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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.

After 28 years of service in Europe, the last F-4s are returning to the United States. Known as the "Wild Weasels", the F-4G Phantom IIs from the 81st Fighter Squadron here arrived at the new duty station: Nellis AFB, Nevada. The 81st served in the Persian Gulf and remained to support Operations Desert Calm, Southern Watch and Provide Comfort. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT CALMSOUTHERN WATCHPROVIDE COMFORT Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

US Air Force Boeing F-15C Eagle of the Oregon Air National Guard with missiles / ordnance

An Israeli Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons flies in formation behind a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, as part of a bilateral exercise over an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Nov. 30, 2022. The exercise demonstrated fighter aircraft integration and escort as well as refueling operations as part of the first of several exercises to maintain the ironclad commitment and bilateral aerial capability between the U.S. and Israeli Air Forces.

DN-SC-88-06204. Subject Operation/Series: FRENCH QUARTER Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

PACIFIC OCEAN (July 26, 2022) U.S Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker refuels a U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornet through its flying boom extending from the rear of the aircraft during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Royal New Zealand Air Force photo by Cpl. Dillon)

011020-F-6184S-011. Base: Sheppard Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

overhead detail Military Lockheed Martin Jets Fixed Wing Aviat Airplanes F-16C Fighting Falcon fighter in-flight refueling fuel transfer tanker

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 138th Fighter Wing, at Tulsa Air National Guard, is refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker from Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., during a training mission May 4, 2015.

An air-to-air right side view of a Canadian 416th Tactical Fighter Squadron CF-18 Hornet aircraft and a US Navy Fighter Squadron 302 (VF-302) F-14A Tomcat aircraft. Country: Unknown

DF-ST-86-09254. Base: Naval Air Station, Barbers Point State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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 in the air to reassure allies and ensure regional security.

DF-ST-99-06000. Country: Unknown

040909-F-5040D-104. Base: Andersen Air Force Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Four French Air Force Dassualt MFG Mirage 2000 fighter-bombers taking part in Red Flag exercises at Nellis Air Force Base Las Vegas NV

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 389th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, flies a combat patrol mission within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 18, 2023. F-15 fighter aircraft routinely conduct patrols within the CENTCOM AOR to ensure combat airpower dominance, deter adversaries, and ensure regional security and stability.

US Air force F-15 Eagle

September 2, 2010 - Mirage 2000C of the French Air Force off the Normandy coast in France during dissimilar air combat training with the French Navy.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 179th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 50th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, April 21, 2022. The 50th EARS, deployed with Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central), is responsible for delivering fuel to U.S. and partner nation forces, enabling airpower, deterrence, and stability.

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds dazzle the crowd at the Frontiers in Flight Airshow at McConnell Air Force Base, Sept. 23, 2022. The airshow featured 12 performers including Tora Tora, an A-10 demonstration, and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds to name a few. An airshow, also known as an open-house, is a way for military members and installations to show appreciation to local communities as well as showcase Department of Defense and Air Force capabilities. Wichita is known as the Air Capital of the world, the birthplace of some very famous airframes.

PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 14, 2017) A B-1B Lancer from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, and an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Golden Dragons” of Strike Squadron (VFA) 192 fly over the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). The B-1 is deployed in support of U.S. Pacific Command’s Continuous Bomber Presence (CBP) mission. In place since 2004, the CBP missions are conducted by U.S. Air Force bombers such as the B-1, B-52 Stratofortress and B-2 Spirit in order to provide non-stop stability and security in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is on a western Pacific deployment as part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet-led initiative to extend the command and control functions of U.S. 3rd Fleet.

An F-15E Strike Eagle receives fuel from a 100th Air Refueling Wing KC-135 Stratotanker during an aerial refueling mission Sept. 10, 2012, over the Atlantic Ocean. The refueling was part of a training mission for the 48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath and 100th ARW.

U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II's break formation over Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, April 5, 2022. Exercise Agile Tiger was designed to grow war fighting talent.

DF-ST-87-07429. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER '86-1 Country: Philippines (PHL)

011106-F-4308R-028. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE 2001 State: Massachusetts (MA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

DN-SC-88-05356. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

DN-SC-04-08945. Base: San Clemente State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

011106-F-4308R-027. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE 2001 State: Massachusetts (MA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

An air-to-air left underside view of an F-16B Fighting Falcon aircraft with a glide bomb mounted on the right outboard wing pylon, AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles on the wingtips, and an AN/ALQ-119 Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) pod on the fuselage centerline. A spin-control parachute container is attached to the aircraft`s tail section. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Left side view of an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft from the 50th Tactical Fighter Wing taking off. Base: Hahn Air Base Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

DN-SC-87-06599. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

011029-F-7910D-014. State: Tennessee (TN) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Combat Command

An air-to-air front view of two F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft from the 313th Tactical Fighter Squadron. Country: Spain (ESP)

Lt. Col. Christopher Finkenstadt, 64th Aggressor Squadron commander, returns back to base after a training sortie May 4, 2021, over North Las Vegas, 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.

An Attack Squadron 95 (VA-95) KA-6D Intruder aircraft with tail hook extended approaches the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) as it prepares for a landing on the ship's flight deck. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

A-4 Skyhawks flying in formation

An air-to-air right side view of an F-16B Fighting Falcon aircraft with a glide bomb mounted on the outboard wing pylon, AIM-9 Sidewinder missile on the wingtip, and an AN/ALQ-119 electronic countermeasures (ECM) pod on the fuselage centerline. A spin-control parachute is attached to the aircraft`s tail section. Country: Unknown

Various aircraft participate in the Cruzeiro Do Sul (Southern Cross) exercise Nov. 11, 2010, at Natal Air Base, Brazil. CRUZEX V is a multi-national, combined exercise involving the air forces of Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Argentina and France. This was the first time the U.S. Air Force was invited to participate.

Three F-15 Eagles from the 173rd Fighter Wing conduct air to air refueling training with a KC-135 Stratotanker.

Air to air view of two Air Force Reserve F-16 Fighting Falcons flying over the Laage Air Base, Germany. The lead F-16 is the flag ship of the 944th Fighter Wing and the wing aircraft is the flag ship of the 302nd Fighter Squadron, both deployed from Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT ENDEAVOR Base: Laage Air Base Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

An air-to-air left side view of two F-15 Eagle aircraft during a mission for the joint Japanese Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) and US Air Force exercise COPE NORTH 84-1. The aircraft are assigned to the 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 18th Tactical Fighter Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH 84-1 Country: Japan (JPN)

Air to air left side view of a flight of two F-15 Eagles and one F-16 Fighting Falcon from Luke AFB, Arizona and an F-5 Talon from Williams AFB, Arizona flying a training mission over the Grand Canyon. (L to R) the aircraft are, from 425th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron (F-5) and the flagships of 405th Tactical Training Wing (F-15), 58 Tactical Training Wing (F-16), and 832nd Air Division (F-15). Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

An air-to-air front view of a flight of four A-7E Corsair aircraft from Attack Squadron 46 (VA-46) during their deployment aboard the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

June 12, 2008 - Two MH-53 Pave Low helicopters from Hurlburt Field, Florida, get refueled by an MC-130H during the last five-ship formation of the 20th Special Operations Squadron.

Artwork: "Thanks for the Top Cover". Artist: Dick Kramer, US Air Force Art Collection (Copyrighted). Country: Unknown

021119-F-7709A-006. State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force T-38A Talons assigned to the 2d Fighter Training Squadron fly over southern Idaho, Sept. 12, 2022. The 2d FTS traveled from Florida to Mountian Home Air Force Base, Idaho, in support of the F-35A Lightning II basic course capstone.

An air-to-air left rear view of a Marine EA-6B Prowler aircraft. The aircraft is assigned to Marine Electronic Warfare Squadron 2 (VMAQ-2). Base: Naval Air Station, Whiting Field State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Air to air left side view of three United States Air Force Europe (USAFE) Phantom fighters in a right turn. In the foreground is an F-4E carrying six MK-82 bombs, four AIM-9 air to air missiles, three AIM-7 missiles and ECM pod. The F-4G in the lead is carrying six MK-82 bombs, four AIM-9 air to air missiles, three AIM-7 missiles and ECM pod. In the background another F-4E carries two AGM A/6, three AIM 7 missiles and ECM pod. The aircraft, flying over German countryside, are assigned to the 52nd Tactical Fighter Wing, Spangdalhem Air Base, Germany. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle receives fuel from the aerial refueling boom of a KC-10 Extender from the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron during combat operations June 15, 2009 over Afghanistan.

An air-to-air left side view of a Northrop F-20 Tigershark aircraft dropping bombs during a demonstration. The aircraft is armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-88-05661. Subject Operation/Series: CORNET PHASER Country: West Germany (FRG)

Four F-15C Eagles with the 44th Fighter Squadron fly in formation March 21, 2016, off the coast of Japan. The F-15C is an all-weather, highly maneuverable tactical fighter that enables the Air Force to gain and maintain air supremacy over the battlefield.

Right side view of a KC-10A Extender aircraft (tail section) refueling an F-111 Fighter aircraft in flight. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An air-to-air left side view of an F-4E Phantom II aircraft banking to the right. The aircraft, from the 526th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 86th Tactical Fighter Wing, is carrying four AIM-7 Sidewinder missiles. Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

051024-N-5088T-001. Country: Persian Gulf

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.

The Republic of Korea and United States conduct combined attack squadron flight and precision bombing on Oct. 4, 2022, at Jikdo range following the Democratic Peoples Republic of Koreas ballistic missile launch. Four ROK Air Force F-15Ks and four U.S. Air Force F-16 fighters participated in the combined attack squadron flight. South Korea and the U.S. demonstrated their capability to conduct precision strikes. The commitment to the defense of South Korea remains ironclad.

Brazilian Air Force F-5 in flight over Brazil.

ARABIAN SEA (Nov. 21, 2012) Lt. Matt Reed, assigned to the Rampagers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83, launches defensive flares during a flight from the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). VFA-83 and Dwight D. Eisenhower are returning to Norfolk after operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

An air-to-air top left view of an F-16XL prototype and the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft during the Farnborough Air Show. The aircraft are armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. The F-16XL is also armed with AIM-7 Sparrow missiles on its undercarriage. Base: Farnborough Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

An F-14A Tomcat aircraft of Fighter Squadron 154 (VF-154) flies near the summit of Mount Fuji during deployment in the far east. Base: Fuji Country: Japan (JPN)

DN-SC-88-08227. Country: Spain (ESP)

U.S. Air Force F-18 Hornet Jet Fighter

A U.S. Air Force T-38A Talon assigned to the 2d Fighter Training Squadron flies over southern Idaho, Sept. 16, 2022. The 2d FTS primary mission is to fly adversary air for F-22 Raptor student pilots learning basic fighter fundamentals, but the T-38 is capable of supporting various airframes.

021214-F-2341K-007. Base: Great Lakes State: Minnesota (MN) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

An F-16 escorting Air Force One from Offutt Air Force Base in Neb. to Andrews Air Force Base. Sept. 11, 2001. After the 9-11 Terrorists attacks, jet fighters were scrambled to patrol the airspace above Washington, D.C. and New York City. (BSLOC_2015_2_136)

DN-SC-89-11090. Base: Unknown

Two T-38 Talons from Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, fly in formation with 2 F-16 Falcons from Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, on April 7, 2022. The 4 aircraft joined up together to practice formation flights over southwest Texas before heading back to Laughlin for a presentation to student pilots.

A left side view of two F-16A Fighting Falcon aircraft during deployment to Kunsan Air Base, Korea. The aircraft are from the 35th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 8th Tactical Fighter Wing. The aircraft are equipped with luggage pods on the left wings and auxiliary fuel tanks. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

An Attack Squadron 72 (VA-72) A-7E Corsair aircraft takes on fuel from an Attack Squadron 75 (VA-75) KA-6D Intruder aircraft as a second VA-72 Corsair aircraft flies alongside. All three aircraft are based aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 501 fly four F-35B Lightning II fighter jets over Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, Louisiana, Oct. 24, 2022. VMFAT-501 deployed to NAS JRB New Orleans to increase entry-level pilots' proficiency in offensive-air support, electronic warfare, and routine flight operations for their future fleet assignments. VMFAT-501 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

Camouflaged U.S. Navy F-14 Tomcat climbs after takeoff over California.

An air-to-air right side view of a flight of five F-16 "Fighting Falcons" flying in a wedge formation near the Grand Canyon, Arizona. The aircraft are all from the 58th Tactical Training Wing, (TTW), (top to bottom) 314th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron (TFTS), 312th, TFTS, flagship of the 58th TTW, 310th TFTS and 311th TFTS. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Base: Luke Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220405-N-NO874-1100 IONIAN SEA (April 5, 2022) From left to right, an Italian Air Force A-200 Tornado, a U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle, and a Hellenic Air Force F-4E Phantom II participate in Exercise INIOCHOS 22, April 5, 2022. INIOCHOS is the Hellenic Air Force's large scale aerial combat exercise in which participants conduct complex air missions such as offensive counter air operations, air defense operations, counter surface force operations including air power contribution to land operations and air power contribution to maritime operations and search & rescue in a combat environment. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of U.S., allied and partner interests in Europe and Africa.

U.S. Air Force T-38A Talons assigned to the 2d Fighter Training Squadron fly over southern Idaho, Sept. 12, 2022. The 2d FTS traveled from Florida to Mountian Home Air Force Base, Idaho, in support of the F-35A Lightning II basic course capstone.

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

Left side air-to-air view of an A-6E Intruder aircraft from Medium Attack Squadron 52 (VA-52). Country: Unknown

DN-SC-05-10844. Base: Diego Garcia Country: British Indian Ocean Territory (IOT)

DF-ST-85-11177. Country: West Germany (FRG)

010810-F-7910D-020. Base: Buckley Air Force Base State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Combat Command

A two-ship formation of F-16 Fighting Falcons on a routine training mission.

An air-to-air view of two U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle fighter aircraft of the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., and a Royal Saudi Air Force F-5E Tiger II fighter aircraft during a mission in support of Operation Desert Storm. The aircraft are armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles.

DN-SC-88-06200. Subject Operation/Series: FRENCH QUARTER Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

An air-to-air left side view of four A-7D Corsair II aircraft from the 178th Tactical Fighter Group, Ohio Air National Guard. Country: Unknown

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.

An underside view of an F-15 Eagle aircraft, from the 36th Tactical Fighter Wing, armed with an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile, in flight over Eiffel Province. Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

F-15 Eagles in flight

Right side air-to-air view of four F-4 Phantom II and a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft. The KC-135 is preparing to refuel one of the F-4s. The aircraft are taking part in exercise SCARLET DUCK. Subject Operation/Series: SCARLET DUCK Base: Moody Air Force Base State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-89-02195. State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer, deployed to Andersen Air Base, Guam, is flanked by two F-15K Slam Eagles, assigned to Daegu Air Base, South Korea, during a flight over South Korea Sept. 21, 2016. The B-1 is the backbone of the U.S. long-range bomber mission and is capable of carrying the largest payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the Air Force inventory. (South Korean air force photo/Chief Master Sgt. Kim, Kyeong Ryul)

Four 27th Tactical Fighter Wing F-111D aircraft fly over the pyramids during exercise Bright Star '83. Subject Operation/Series: BRIGHT STAR '83 Base: Giza Country: Egypt (EGY)

An air-to-air right side view of a flight of five F-16 "Fighting Falcons" flying in a wedge formation near the Grand Canyon, Arizona. The aircraft are all from the 58th Tactical Training Wing, (TTW), (top to bottom) 314th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron (TFTS), 312th, TFTS, flagship of the 58th TTW, 310th TFTS and 311th TFTS. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Base: Luke Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

AN air-to-air left side view of a four-ship wedge formation of F-106 Delta Dart aircraft over a river during a training mission. The aircraft are from the 5th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. Base: Minot Air Force Base State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030810-F-8833H-048. Base: Mountain Home Air Force Base State: Idaho (ID) Country: United States Of America (USA)

February 10, 2009 - Three F-16 Fighting Falcons fly in formation over Tumon Bay, Guam during exercise Cope North 09-1. Units from the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and the Japan Air Self Defense Force are participating in exercise Cope North at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam from February 2-13. Cope North 09-1 is the first iteration of a regularly scheduled joint and bilateral exercise and is part of the on-going series of exercises designed to enhance air operations in defense of Japan.

An air-to-air right side view of an F-4 Phantom II aircraft during exercise Cope Thunder. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

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

DF-SC-89-10903. Country: Unknown

Scat VII, a P-51 Mustang once flown by triple-ace fighter pilot Robin Olds, flies along an F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 480th Fighter Squadron, Spangdahlem Air Base, May 28, 2019. The plane is the last one Olds flew before the end of World War II and is one of the only flying examples of the aircraft in Europe. Olds flew in both World War II and the Vietnam War, scoring a total of 16 air-to-air victories over the course of his career.

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