Modern Military Aircraft

Images of advanced military aircraft, including F-22 and F-35 fighters, showcasing both ground and in-flight scenes, emphasizing technology and operational readiness.

Three F-35B Lightning II's at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona.

An F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 388th Fighter Wing, Hill Air Force Base, Utah flies beside a Utah Air National Guard KC-135R assigned to the 151st Air Refueling Wing over the Utah Test and Training Range, April 22, 2019. Due to their geographic proximity to one another, the 388th FW and 151st ARW work together on a regular basis.

An F-35 Lightning II assigned to the 61st Fighter Squadron, Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, fires a flare over Barry M. Goldwater Range, Arizona, Jan. 19, 2024. The Barry M. Goldwater range, south of Phoenix, Arizona, is host to a number of air-to-ground bombing ranges which are utilized for training by various DOD branches. The F-35 is the U.S. Air Forces latest fifth-generation fighter and provides next-generation stealth with enhanced situational awareness.

220526-XN177-1035 PACIFIC OCEAN (May 26, 2022) - An F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 launches from the flight deck aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), May 26, 2022. Tripoli is conducting routine operations in U.S. 7th Fleet.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B aircraft.

U.S. Air Force F-35A LIghtning II, assigned to the 495th Fighter Squadron, takes off for exercise Point Blank 22-4 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Aug. 24, 22. Point Blank is a recurring joint training exercise designed to enhance tactical proficiency and interoperability with NATO allies and partners.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Haley Butler, Senior Airman Gavin Parris and Staff Sgt. John Sliwka, weapons load crew members assigned to the356th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, compete in a weapons load competition during the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 31, 2022. This biennial event hosted by JBER is one of the largest in the state and one of the premier aerial demonstrations in the world. The event features multiple performers to include the JBER Joint Forces Demonstration Team, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, Pacific Air Forces C-17 Demonstration Team and U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 90th Fighter Squadron returns to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 5, 2022. The 90th Fighter Squadron was forward-deployed to Poland in support of the NATO Air Shielding mission. The NATO Air Shielding mission provides a near seamless shield from the Baltic to Black Seas, ensuring NATO Allies are better able to safeguard and protect Alliance territory, populations, and forces from air and missile threats.

An F-35C Lightning II assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147 taxis on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during flight operations in the Atlantic Ocean, Jan. 17, 2024. George Washington is underway in support of carrier qualifications.

An F-22 Raptor from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, taxis at Royal Australian Air Force Base Curtin, Western Australia, Aug. 22, 2022. Pacific Air Forces trains alongside Allies and partners to enhance interoperability and bolster the collective ability to support a free and open Indo-Pacific.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor aircraft assigned to the 90th Fighter Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, departs after receiving fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, over Poland, Aug. 10, 2022. The 90th FS has been forward deployed in support of NATO Air Shielding in the European Theater to increase the air and missile defense posture along the Eastern flank of the Alliance.

PACIFIC OCEAN (February 11, 2024) Aviation Boatswains Mate 2nd Class Robert Miller, from Palatka, Florida, assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6), launches a F-35B Lightning II aircraft from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Units (MEU) Air Combat Element (ACE), off of the ships flight deck while conducting routine operations in the Pacific Ocean, February 11. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navys largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Navy

Italian Navy F-35B jets in flight over the Mediterranean.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Emerson, commander of the 60th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing, departs from an F-35A Lightning II aircraft 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.

220729-N-CM110-1097 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 29, 2022) - An F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 121 taxis on the flight deck aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), July 29, 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.

PHILIPPINE SEA (June 4, 2019) An F-35B Lightning II assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced) takes off from the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) during flight operations n the Philippine Sea, June 4, 2019. The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, the Marine Corps only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

An F-22 Raptor assigned to the 433rd Weapons Squadron takes off from Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, June 30, 2022. A combination of sensor capability, integrated avionics, situational awareness, and weapons provides first-kill opportunity against threats.

220701-N-XN177-1294 EAST CHINA SEA (July 1, 2022) - An F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 121 launches from the flight deck aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), July 1, 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.

220817-N-FQ994-1058 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 17, 2022) Machinists Mate (Nuclear) 3rd Class Arien Wilkinsbeck stands aft look-out watch aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) Aug. 17, 2022. George H.W. Bush provides the national command authority flexible, tailorable warfighting capability as the flagship of a carrier strike group that maintains maritime stability and security to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

An F-35C Lightning II assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125 launches off the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) Jan. 19, 2024. George Washington is underway in support of carrier qualifications.

A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-35A takes off during Black Flag 22-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, May 10, 2022. The F-35s advanced sensors and data fusion allow it to gather and share information with other Air Force aircraft, Navy ships and Army units quicker than ever before.

A B-2 Bomber from Whiteman Air Force Base, MO, approaches a KC-135R Stratotanker for refueling for the flight back home. The B-2 Bomber made a 21-hour nonstop round-trip flight to make a pass over at the 1996 Farnborough Airshow. Country: North Atlantic Ocean

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 allow 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.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor from the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron taxis for takeoff to integrate and train 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.

Two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lighting IIs assigned to the 354th Fighter Wing fly over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, April 14, 2022. With the arrival of the last two jets, the 354th Fighter Wing completed a two-year buildup, resulting in two additional operational flying squadrons comprised of 54 permanently-assigned, combat-coded F-35A aircraft.

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor pilot prepares to depart the jet in front of a large crowd at the Slovak International Air Fest at Malacky, Aug. 27, 2022. The Raptor crews received a warm welcome from the local Slovak community and this engagement reinforces the U.S.s steadfast commitment and support to our NATO Allies and partners.

U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to 421st Fighter Squadron, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, taxi the flight line during Checkered Flag 23-1 at Tyndall AFB, Florida, Nov. 1, 2022. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th- and 5th-generation aircraft during air-to-air combat training. The 23-1 iteration of the exercise was held Oct. 31 - Nov. 10, 2022.

U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors assigned to the 3rd Wing taxi after landing at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport during Polar Force 22-4 in Anchorage, Alaska, March 31, 2022. The F-22 performs both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, making it a vital tool to the 21st Century Air Force. The F-22's characteristics provide synergistic effects, increasing lethality against all advanced air threats.

A U.S. Air Force pilot assigned to the 58th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing, prepares for a night flying training mission in an F-35A Lightning II, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, Oct. 19, 2022. Night flying is performed monthly to ensure pilots are proficient in every capability of the F-35A.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 525th Fighter Squadron taxis at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, during Polar Force 22-4 March 30, 2022. Polar Force is an Agile Combat Employment-focused exercise that supports the U.S. Pacific Air Forces mission, ACE execution, and the development of innovative operational concepts to be more lethal, adaptive, resilient, and effective across all military operations. Operationalizing readiness-enhancing concepts like ACE is critical to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor with the 325th Fighter Wing, approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker with the 190th Air Refueling Wing, for in-flight refueling during Sentry Savannah May 11, 2022, in a military operations area over Florida. Sentry Savannah is the Air National Guards premier counter air exercise, encompassing 10 units of fourth- and fifth- generation fighter aircraft, which tests the capabilities of warfighters in a simulated near-peer environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

Crew members at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, prepare an F-117 Nighthawk aircraft for deployment to Operation DESERT STRIKE. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STRIKE Base: Holloman Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-22 Raptor sit on the parking ramp at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 12, 2022. The aircraft flew a training sortie to support the 43d Fighter Squadrons basic training course capstone which tests the skills F-22 student pilots have learned in a simulated combat environment.

111011-N-TU221-154PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 11, 2011) An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137 takes off from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln is underway conducting a composite training unit exercise.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Douglas Kansier, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 executive officer, speaks with Lance Cpl. Joshua Pollard, a fixed wing aircraft mechanic with VMFA-242, after disembarking an F-35B Lightning II aircraft with VMFA-242 in support of exercise RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, April 25, 2022. RF-A serves as an ideal platform for international engagement, enabling the exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures while improving interoperability in order to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kyla Mercer-Welch, a fixed wing aircraft mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242, conducts a post operation service inspection on an F-35B Lightning II aircraft with VMFA-242 in support of RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, May 11, 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.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Joshua "Cabo" Gunderson, commander of the Air Combat Command F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team from Langley Air Force Base, Hampton, Va., performs during the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 30, 2022. The team flies at airshows around the globe, performing maneuvers that demonstrate the capabilities of the fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit, assigned to 509th Bomb Wing, taxis prior to a Bomber Task Force mission at Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley, Australia, July 11. The BTF will conduct joint training and missions alongside Allies and partners in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Brooke Thompson, an avionics technician with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, poses for a photo in front of an F-35B Lightning II aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS), Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 20,2022. Thompson was awarded the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal for her meritorious service since her arrival to MCAS Iwakuni in 2018, where she held multiple billets, and supported multiple exercises and operations across the Indo-Pacific.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor from the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron arrived at Ørland Main Air Station, Norway to conduct an agile combat employment (ACE) exercise with the Royal Norwegian Air Force, Sept. 13, 2022. 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.

A MQ-4C on the runway at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, July 13, 2022. The MQ-4C is on a deployment to MCAS Iwakuni in support of continuing operations in the Indo-Pacic area of operations. The "Big Red" of VUP-19 are deployed in support of Commander Task Force 72 and are home-ported in Jacksonville, Florida. Throughout their deployment, they will be conducting maritime patrol and reconnaissance and theater outreach operations within the 7th Fleet area of operations.

An F-35 Lightning II assigned to the 56th Fighter Wing, performs an aerial maneuver over Barry M. Goldwater Range, Arizona, Jan. 19, 2024. The Barry M. Goldwater range, south of Phoenix, Arizona, is host to a number of air-to-ground bombing ranges which are utilized for training. Luke AFB is the largest fighter wing in the world and home to eight fighter squadrons that train with both the F-35 and F-16 aircraft.

An F-35B Lightning II with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, California, conducts an aerial demonstration during the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, Sept. 24, 2022. The F-35B Lightning II, flown by aviators with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 502, is equipped with short takeoff and vertical landing capability that expands its range by allowing it to operate from naval vessels and in austere, expeditionary environments. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

220701-N-XN177-1221 EAST CHINA SEA (July 1, 2022) - An F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 121 launches from the flight deck aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), July 1, 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.

020426-F-2369R-004. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

220128-N-IW125-1006 KEY WEST, Fla. (Jan. 28, 2022) An F-35B Lightning II from the "Warlords" of Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 501 lands at Naval Air Station Key Wests Boca Chica Field in Key West, Fla., Jan. 28, 2022. Naval Air Station Key West is the state-of-the-art facility for combat fighter aircraft of all military services, provides world-class pierside support to U.S. and foreign naval vessels, and is the premier training center for surface and subsurface military operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nicholas V. Huynh)

F-117 being refueled by a KC-10. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Military Jets Fixed Wing Boeing Aviat Airplanes F/A-18 Hornet fighter nose head on

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Roger Remoket, a 372nd Training Squadron, Detachment 25 crew chief instructor (right), and Airman 1st Class Joshua Kenbeek, a 355th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief (center), perform pre-flight operations during a Right Time Training course on Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, May 17, 2022.As an F-35 crew chief instructor, Remoket teaches the RTT course, engine organizational maintenance, advanced crew chief and Autonomic Logistic Information System classes.

PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 5, 2020) Chief Aviation Boatswains Mate (Handling) Akiel L. Mayers, from Ypsilanti, Michigan, signals an F-35B Lightning II assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 (Reinforced), to take off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). America, flagship of the America Expeditionary Strike Group, 31st MEU team, 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 stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft from the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 departs the flightline at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 31, 2022. The aircraft traveled to Kunsan as a part of the Pacific Air Forces command sponsored VIGILANT STORM 23 training event. VIGILANT STORM integrates U.S. and ROK forces to train on mutual support procedures and maximizes command and control capabilities to improve understanding and trust between the two nations.

F-22 Raptors arrive at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., prior to the Thunder Over the Bay Air Show, March 25, 2019. In addition to the F-22 Raptor, the two-day event featured performances by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team, U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team, flyovers and static displays. The event honored hometown heroes such as police officers, firefighters, nurses, teachers and ordinary citizens whose selfless work makep their communities safer and enhanced quality of life.

030320-F-5712B-019. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

030826-F-0809C-004. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Ellsworth Air Force Base State: South Dakota (SD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An aerial view of a two ship formation of F-117A Stealth fighter aircraft. From AIRMAN Magazine April 1995 issue article "Core Competencies-New Mission". Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force Col. David Shevchik, former commander of the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing, takes off for his final flight in a F-35A Lightning II from the Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont, Nov. 6, 2022. It is tradition for pilots to be recognized and celebrate the final flight of their military career.

An F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 419th Fighter Wing, Hill Air Force Base, Utah takes off from the Air Dominance Center during Sentry Savannah on May 11, 2022. Sentry Savannah is the Air National Guards largest air-to-air, joint aerial combat exercise for fourth- and fifth- generation fighters, which tests the capabilities of our warfighters in a simulated environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

BEAUFORT, S.C. (April 25, 2019) Capt. Eric Doyle, commanding officer of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, flies in formation with an F-22 Raptor assigned to the U.S. Air Forces F-22 Raptor demonstration team during a photo exercise above Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. The Blue Angels are scheduled to conduct 61 flight demonstrations at 32 locations across the country to showcase the pride and professionalism of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps to the American public in 2019.

U.S. Marines with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, take a knee in front of a static display of U.S. Navy Blue Angels F/A-18 Super Hornets and U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors during a Joint Air-Ground Task Force Demonstration as part of the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 13, 2022. The air show provided an opportunity to showcase the aircraft, equipment and capabilities of the armed forces to the local community. The Kaneohe Bay Air Show, which contained aerial performances, static displays, demonstrations and vendors, was designed to celebrate MCBHs longstanding relationship with the local community.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 14, 2013) Sailors move an X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstrator onto an aircraft elevator aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). George H.W. Bush is scheduled to be the first aircraft carrier to catapult launch an unmanned aircraft from its flight deck.

For the first time ever, the 163rd Reconnaissance Wing flies the MQ9 Reaper in the airspace over the Southern California Logistics Airport in Victorville, Calif., July 30, 2014. (Air National Guard photo/Senior Airman Michael Quiboloy)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Cyrus Uelmen, a 199th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron Squadron Aviation Resource Management journeyman, poses for a photo in front of a 199th EFS F-22 Raptor during Agile Combat Employment training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 28, 2022. Operating under the 354th AEW, the 199th and the 356th EFS are at Iwakuni to refine fifth generation integration tactics, techniques and procedures.

DF-ST-85-03683. Subject Operation/Series: BRIGHT STAR '82 Country: Egypt (EGY)

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Nov. 03, 2022) Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Lauren Gagliano, Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, is reenlisted by Cmdr. Michael Mosi, executive officer, NSA Souda Bay, in front of an F-22 Raptor. F-22 Raptors from the U.S. Air Forces 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron arrived in Souda Bay, Crete on Oct. 20, 2022 to conduct an Agile Combat Employment exercise, which is part of routine training for U.S. Airmen to operate from different locations with varying levels of capacity and support to strengthen the ability to deploy, survive, operate, and successfully maneuver. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

of 2