Modern Fighter Jets in Action

Dynamic images of advanced military aircraft like F-35s and F-22s flying and on missions, showcasing their impressive capabilities in various environments.

Italian Navy F-35B on the flight deck of the ITS Cavour aircraft carrier.

Italian Navy F-35B on the flight deck of the ITS Cavour aircraft carrier.

Airmen assigned to the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing, from South Burlington, Vermont, prepare their F-35A Lightning II jets for a training mission at Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield , Fort Drum, New York, April 4, 2023. The Airmen are participating in an Agile Combat Employment exercise which tests the wing's ability to deploy and conduct tactical missions with minimal personnel and resources.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor conducts a heritage flight during the 2022Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24,2022. The F-22 Raptor is the Air Force's fifth-generation fighter aircraft. Its combination ofstealth, supercruise, maneuverability, and integrated avionics, coupled with improvedsupportability, represents an exponential leap in warfighting capabilities. The theme for the2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corpsongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

An F-22 Raptor assigned to the 27th Fighter Squadron, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, takes off during Red Flag-Nellis 22-3 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, July 19, 2022. The Nevada Test and Training Range is the U.S. Air Forces premier military training area with more than 12,000 square miles of airspace and 2.9 million acres of land.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, flies alongside a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing at RAF Mildenhall, during a refueling mission over the North Sea, May 24, 2022. The F-35A is a fifth generation fighter that provides the joint warfighter unprecedented global precision attack capability against current and emerging threats, while complementing the Air Forces air superiority fleet.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II prepares for takeoff at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, September 22, 2022. The F-35 squadron from Luke Air Force Base, AZ used Mountain Home AFB for the terrain and airspace in order to practice simulated combat scenarios.

An Israeli Air Force F-35 Adir, Israel.

A U.S. Airman assigned to the 199th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron prepares to perform post-flight procedures on an F-22 Raptor assigned to the 199th EFS upon its arrival to an agile combat employment training event at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 15, 2022. During the ACE training event, the 199th EFS is assigned to the 354th Air Expeditionary Wing and operating with the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron to refine fifth generation integration tactics, techniques and procedures.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 354th Air Expeditionary Wing, taxis on the runway upon initial arrival at Palau International Airport in support of Valiant Shield 22, June 11, 2022. Exercises like VS22 allow the INDOPACOM Joint Force the opportunity to integrate Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force and Space Force to train in precise, lethal and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of Joint Force.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft assigned to the 354th Air Expeditionary Wing prepares for takeoff at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 7, 2022. The 354th AEW sent equipment and personnel to MCAS Iwakuni to train on agile combat employment tactics, techniques and procedures.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, receives fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, over the Indo-Pacific theater, April 20, 2022. These missions are opportunities for Pacific Air Forces to perform routine integration with joint and allied forces and assure regional allies and partners of the continued U.S. commitment to the defense of our Allies and their sovereign territory.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II pilot with the 58th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, lands after conducting a training mission over Volk Field Air National Guard Base, Wisconsin, Aug. 18, 2022. Volk Field offered open airspace with optimal weather conditions for flying, allowing the 33rd FW to avoid over 60% of seasonal lightning and hurricane delays in Florida.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, deployed to Kadena Air Base, Japan, approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena AB, for aerial refueling, June 10, 2022. Kadena Air Base regularly hosts visiting joint, allied and partner forces to conduct missions to enhance our operational readiness to defend Japan and ensure a free-and-open Indo-Pacific.

040623-F-6911G-006. State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 495th Fighter Squadron, takes off during exercise Poseidons Rage 22 at Souda Air Base, Greece, July 18, 2022. PR 22 focuses on the partnership between the U.S. and Hellenic Air Forces in order to validate F-35 and F-15E deployment capabilities and is the first iteration to feature the F-35 at Souda AB.

An F-35A Lightning II sits on display at the Farnborough International Airshow in Farnborough, England, Jul 18, 2022. U.S. military participation in FIA plays an important role in supporting U.S. European Commands theater strategy by demonstrating U.S. commitment to European Allies and Partners, while highlighting U.S. capabilities to diverse audiences.

U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 60th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, line up at Burlington Air National Guard Base, Vermont, July 12, 2022. The 33rd FW is utilizing the Vermont ANG air space to continue effective flying operations during hazardous summer weather in Florida.

A U.S. Air Force crew chief with the 192nd Fighter Wing, Virginia Air National Guard, communicates with a F-22 Raptor pilot prior to launch May 3, 2022, at the Air Dominance Center, a Combat Readiness Training Center, in Savannah, Georgia. Sentry Savannah is a joint total force integrated exercise that showcases the nation's combat aircraft readiness, tests the capabilities of our warfighters in a near-peer environment and trains our next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

The Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration takes place during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 23, 2022. The MAGTF Demo displays the coordinated use of close-air support, artillery and infantry forces, and provides a visual representation of how the Marine Corps operates. 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.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, receives fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, over the Indo-Pacific theater, Sept. 28, 2022. U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps aircrews routinely train together to enhance bilateral interoperability in support of the defense of Japan while securing a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

A Hawaii Air National Guard F-22 Raptor takes flight during a joint exercise Jan. 21, 2022, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. The exercise provides high-quality training to the Total Force and Department of Defense services to increase lethality and readiness for present and future warfighters. The 'Hawaiian Raptors' operated by ANG and active-duty Airmen from the 199th and 19th Fighter Squadrons. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy)

An F-35A Lightning II with the 421st Fighter Squadron sits on the flight line during Exercise Agile Tiger, April 4, 2022, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. Airmen are the Air Forces greatest and most lethal weapon systems.

The maneuverability of an F-22 Raptor is demonstrated during the 2010 Aviation Nation Nellis Open House Nov. 12. The open house is an opportunity for the Las Vegas community to view aerial demonstrations and static displays of various aircraft from the military.

September 21, 2011 - An F-22 Raptor takes flight on a training sortie from Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico.

An F-15C Eagle from the 17th Weapons Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., prepares to land following a training mission Jan. 29, 2014, at Nellis AFB, Nev. The Strike Eagle has the capability to perform air-to-air or air-to-surface missions at all altitudes, day or night, in any weather.

PHILIPPINE SEA (May 13, 2022) An F-35C Lightning II, assigned to the "Black Knights" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, prepares to make an arrested landing on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

An F-22 Raptor 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-35 Lightning II assigned to the 354th Fighter Wing, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, flies next to a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Aerial Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-3 over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, Alaska, Aug. 1, 2022. The JPARC is the largest instrumented air, ground, and electronic combat training range in the world.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II with Luke Air Force Base prepares to be refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker with the 161st Air Refueling Wing during a local sortie on Sept. 16, 2022. The 161st out of Goldwater Air National Guard Base, conducts regular air refueling missions with their regional partners at Luke Air Force Base.

An F-22 Raptor flies around Southern New Mexico on a training mission out of Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico

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.

Italian Navy F-35B on the flight deck of the ITS Cavour aircraft carrier.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Grayson Holliday, 43d Fighter Generation Squadron assistant dedicated crew chief, leans against a toolbox on the flight line of Savannah Hilton Head International Airport, May 3, 2022. The 325th Fighter Wing sent more than 200 personnel and 22 aircraft to participate in Sentry Savannah, a near-peer training exercise hosted by the Air National Guards Air Dominance Center.

Two Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-35As taxi out for a training mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, May 17, 2022. Several F-35s from the RAAF are conducting training with U.S. aircraft to increase interoperability.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II pilot assigned to the 421st Fisgter Squadron, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, receives fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 506th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, over the Pacific Ocean, while conducting Agile Combat Employment (ACE) rehearsals, June 28, 2022. ACE shifts operations from centralized physical infrastructures to a network of smaller, dispersed locations that can complicate adversary planning and provide more options for joint force commanders.

220524-N-XN177-1027 PACIFIC OCEAN (May 24, 2022) - An F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 prepares to land aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), May 24, 2022. Tripoli is conducting routine operations in U.S. 7th Fleet.

220623-N-XN177-1106 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 23, 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 23, 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.

U.S. Air Force Airman First Class Elizabeth Tan, a public affairs specialist with 57th Wing Public Affairs, documents an aircraft-to-aircraft refueling during Exercise Bamboo Eagle 24-1 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Feb. 2, 2024. Airmen from Yokota Air Base, Japan; Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii; Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska; and Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, aligned various skillsets to complete the first-ever Air Mobility Command-to-F-22 Raptor refueling from a Charleston C-17 Globemaster III to a JBER F-22 Raptor. Nellis AFB served as the hub and command-and-control force element within the hub-and-spoke concept of operations during BE 24-1, with more than 10 geographically-separated locations serving as the spokes. During the exercise warfighters implemented all-domain combat-power generation from disaggregated basing locations throughout the western part of the U.S., while incorporating scenarios in distributed command and control, agile logistics,

U.S. Air Force Major Kristin Wolfe, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team pilot and commander, flies at the Wings over South Texas air show held on Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas, April 2nd, 2022. The F-35A Demo Team is an Air Combat Command single-ship jet demonstration team that travels to air shows across the country.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 225, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, taxis into the flightline towards a Forward Arming and Refueling Point at U.S. Army Yuma Proving Grounds, Yuma, Arizona, May 23, 2022. The weapons configuration consists of six inert guided bombs, four mounted onto the wings and two loaded into the weapons bay, as well as an Air Intercept Missile 9X. MAG-13 forces are capable of conducting offense air support, anti-aircraft warfare, and aviation reconnaissance from expeditionary sites during any clime and place.

An F-35C Lightning II assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, taxis toward the runway for a mission during Red Flag-Nellis 22-3, July 20, 2022. Participants conduct a variety of scenarios, including defensive counter air, offensive counter air suppression of enemy air defenses and offensive counter air-air interdiction.

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 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.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 354th Air Expeditionary Wing, renders a squadron salute while taxing during Agile Combat Employment training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 22, 2022. ACE is a key operating concept for how Pacific Air Forces will fight in a modern, contested environment.

U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 61st Aircraft Maintenance Unit prepare an F-35A Lightning II before it takes off Sept. 9, 2022, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The 61st Fighter Squadron departed for Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, to participate in Operation Mountain Weasel for their F-35A B-course capstone.

U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 61st Aircraft Maintenance Unit prepare an F-35A Lightning II before it takes off Sept. 9, 2022, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The 61st Fighter Squadron departed for Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, to participate in Operation Mountain Weasel for their F-35A B-course capstone.

A F-22 Raptor with the Demonstration Team from Joint Base Langley-Eustis flies away after receiving fuel from a KC-135R Stratotanker with the 155th Air Refueling Wing, Aug. 25, 2022. F-22 pilots received fuel from the 173rd Air Refueling Squadron in order to arrive and prepare for their air show in South Padre Island, Texas.

A maintainer with the 33rd Maintenance Group, 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, renders a salute as a pilot with the 58th Fighter Squadron, 33rd FW, Eglin AFB, approaches his F-35 Lightning II before a training mission during exercise Northern Lightning at Volk Field Air National Guard Base, Wisconsin, Aug. 9, 2022. Nomads will integrate with 4th- and 5th-generation assets from the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Air National Guard during the joint training exercise.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft assigned to the 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron taxis on the runway at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 6, 2022. The 354th Air Expeditionary Wing and 356th EFS deployed 18 F-35As along with pilots and support personnel to MCAS Iwakuni to train on agile combat employment tactics, techniques and procedures.

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 and Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171 refuel an F-35B Lightning II aircraft during a Forward Arming and Refueling Point training at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 5, 2023. Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 12 routinely conduct arming, expeditionary refueling and flight operations to maintain proficiency and readiness in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

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 29, 2022. The team flies at airshows around the globe, performing maneuvers that demonstrate the capabilities of the fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

An F-35C Lightning II assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, takes off for a mission during Red Flag-Nellis 22-3, July 12, 2022. The 414th Combat Training Squadron conducts Red Flag exercises to provide aircrews the experience of multiple, intensive air combat sorties in the safety of a training environment.

PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 3, 2014) An F-35C Lightning II carrier variant joint strike fighter lands aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Two joint strike fighters are conducting initial at-sea developmental testing expected to last two weeks.

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 arrive aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), while underway, May 23, 2022. Marines with VMFA-121, based out of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, are conducting flight operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Kristin Wolfe, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team commander and pilot, showcases the unique aerial capabilities of the USAFs most advanced 5th generation multi-role stealth fighter, the F-35A, during Wings Over Solano at Travis Air Force Base, California, May 14, 2022. The Wings Over Solano open house and air show provided an opportunity for the local community to interact directly with the base and its Airmen and see capabilities on full display at Travis AFB.

The inbound and outbound commanders of the 154th Wing fly F-22 Raptors in formation with a KC-135 Stratotanker Sept. 7, 2022, near Oahu, Hawaii. The routine training flight served as an in-flight change of command ceremony as Brig. Gen. Dann S. Carlson relinquished command of the Air National Guard's largest Wing to Col. Phillip L. Mallory.

A 325th Fighter Wing F-22A Raptor soars by a 33rd Fighter Wing F-35A Lightning II March 24 at Eglin Air Force Base,Fla. The 325th FWs Raptor aircraft has been at Eglin since 2018 after Hurricane Michael destroyed the Tyndall AFB facilities. The Raptors will soon depart Eglin for their new home, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.

U.S. Air Force Captain Kristin BEO” Wolfe, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team Commander, flies during a demonstration at the Oregon International Airshow in McMinnville, Ore., Aug. 20, 2022. The F-35 Demo team travels around the United States and around the world, showcasing the world’s most technologically advanced fifth-generation fighter jet.

F-16 fighter jets from the South Carolina Air National Guards 169th Fighter Wing began their move back to McEntire Joint National Guard Base February 4, 2023. The F-16s have been temporarily operating from Columbia Metropolitan Airport in West Columbia, South Carolina since April 2022 due to major runway renovations at McEntire JNGB.

Close-up of an F-16 Fighting Falcon Block 52 aircraft pilot from the 157th Fighter Squadron, 169th Fighter Wing, McEntire Air National Guard Station, South Carolina, in flight. Country: Unknown

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.

DN-ST-85-02893. Base: USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

U.S. Marines and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) members refuel a RAAF F-35A and a F/A-18C while conducting Forward Area Refueling Point training during Black Flag 22-1 at Nellis AFB, May 13, 2022. Though smaller in scale, Black Flag is designed as the test counterpart to Red Flag. While Red Flag builds readiness, the Black flag builds capability.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the Virginia Air National Guard lines up behind a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the Kansas Air National Guard for in-fight refueling over the Atlantic Ocean during Sentry Savannah 22-1, May 3, 2022. Sentry Savannah is a joint, total force integrated exercise that showcases the nation's combat aircraft readiness, tests the capabilities of warfighters in a near-peer environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

220412-N-VI910-1141SEA OF JAPAN (April 12, 2022) An F-35C Lightning II, assigned to the "Black Knights" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, prepares to launch from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) as Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Kongō-class guide-missile destroyer JS Kongō (DDG 173) sails in formation during a U.S.-Japan bilateral exercise. During bilateral exercises between Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and JMSDF, the two navies strengthen all-domain awareness and maneuvers across a distributed maritime environment. Bilateral operations like this one reassure our allies and partners of the U.S. commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Nicholas Gibson, an F-35B Lightning II pilot assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), prepares for flight during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-22, at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, on April 15, 2022.  WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

An F-22 Raptor from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker refueling boom Feb. 7, 2014. The KC-135 provides the core aerial refueling capability for the Air Force and has filled this role for more than 50 years. The tanker is assigned to Fairchild AFB, Wash.

Two U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor aircraft assigned to the 90th Fighter Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, fly alongside 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 100th ARW provides the critical air refueling bridge that enables strategic assets to operate in forward locations, and postures NATO forces to extend global reach and amplify operational capability throughout Europe.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 495th Fighter Squadron from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, flies during Tactical Leadership Programme 22-3 at Los Llanos Air Base, Spain, Sept. 26, 2022. This marks the first time USAFE based F-35s have attended TLP, showcasing the capabilities of the fifth-generation fighter to NATO allies.

A pilot assigned to the 58th Fighter Squadron, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, performs a pre-flight checklist onboard an F-35A Lightning II aircraft at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Feb. 13, 2023. Airmen assigned to the 58th FS temporarily relocated to MacDill to avoid inclement weather conditions affecting their home station. Despite the relocation, the 58th FS pursued operations as part of a training program for newly selected F-35 pilots.

F-16 fighter jets from the South Carolina Air National Guards 169th Fighter Wing began their move back to McEntire Joint National Guard Base February 4, 2023. The F-16s have been temporarily operating from Columbia Metropolitan Airport in West Columbia, South Carolina since April 2022 due to major runway renovations at McEntire JNGB.

A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18C Hornet aircraft with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 533 taxis the flight line with LUU-2 Aircraft Parachute Flares at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 28, 2022. U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, VMFA-242, and VMFA(AW)-533 conducted live-fire missile exercise to increase weapon proficiency and enhance squadrons combat readiness in the air-to-air environment.

525 Fighter Squadron crewchief salutes as the pilot of an F-22 Raptor aircraft. The 15 attached hangers help improve 525 FS maintenance capability by sheltering the jets from the winter elements.

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.

220905-N-XN177-1243 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.

120808-O-GR159-102EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif., (Aug. 8, 2012) Lockheed Martin test pilot Dan Canin flies BF-2 during air start testing. Air starts test the ability of the F-35's propulsion system to restart during flight. Verifying the restart capability of the propulsion system is part of the initial flight test program for the F-35 and a prerequisite for high angle-of-attack testing. The F-35B is the variant of the Joint Strike Fighter designed for use by U.S. Marine Corps, as well as F-35 international partners in the United Kingdom and Italy. The F-35B is capable of short take-offs and vertical landings to provide air power from amphibious ships, ski jump aircraft carriers and expeditionary airfields. The F-35B is undergoing test and evaluation at NAS Patuxent River prior to delivery to the fleet.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Kristin "BEO" Wolfe, F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team commander and pilot, assigned to Hill Air Force Base, Utah, demonstrates the capabilities of the F-35 during Aero India 23 at Air Force Station Yelahanka, Bengaluru, India, Feb. 14, 2023. The U.S. military is participating in Aero India by providing aerial demonstrations and static aircraft to strengthen its partnership with India while furthering military-to-military relationships.

970409-F-0000S-002. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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 U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets, F-35B Lighting IIs, KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft, and U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors and F-35A Lighting II aircraft, showcasing a high level of readiness and joint service capability in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

A U.S. Air Force maintainers assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron prepare an F-22 Raptor for takeoff, Oct. 18, 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.

PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 1, 2016) Sailors prepare an F-35B Lightning II aircraft for refueling on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). The F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) variant is the worlds first supersonic STOVL stealth aircraft. America, with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1), Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 (VMFA-211) and Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 (VX-23) embarked, are underway conducting operational testing and the third phase of developmental testing for the F-35B Lightning II aircraft, respectively. The tests will evaluate the full spectrum of joint strike fighter measures of suitability and effectiveness in an at-sea environment.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 388th Fighter Wing, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, takes off from Yokota Air Base, Japan, July 28, 2022 after conducting Agile Combat Employment operations at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. ACE is a new warfighting concept that U.S. Pacific Air Forces is operationalizing to ensure agility, deterrence, and resiliency in a contested or degraded environment.

A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1, taxis aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) as part of the U.S. Marine Corps lightning carrier concept demonstration off the coast of Southern California, April 3, 2022. The lightning carrier concept demonstration shows Tripoli and other amphibious assault ships are capable of operating as dedicated fixed-wing platforms when needed, capable of bringing fifth generation short takeoff/vertical landing aircraft wherever they are required. This was the first time maximum capacity F-35B Lightning II aircraft were tested for operation aboard a landing helicopter assault (LHA) amphibious assault ship.

Two U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron conduct a two-ship formation during the NATO Air Shielding media day, Oct. 12, 2022 at Łask Air Base, Poland. The Raptors uphold the Air Shielding mission alongside Polish F-16s and Italian Eurofighter Typhoons. The event showcased the importance of NATOs Air Shielding mission and the interoperability among the U.S. and NATO Allies to international media through trilateral aerial demonstrations and interviews with service members. The U.S. remains dedicated to our security commitments with our NATO Alliance and postured to defend NATO territory.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Zachary Krueger, commander of the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 378th Fighter Squadron, descends from an F-35A Lightning II after a training flight, at the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, in Swanton, Ohio, February, 29, 2024. The training flight consisted of F-35 and F-16 fighter jets with the purpose of enhancing interoperability between 4th and 5th generation aircraft to maintain mission readiness. Air National Guard

An F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 419th Fighter Wing, Hill Air Force Base, Utah lands on the runway at the Air Dominance Center during Sentry Savannah on May 2, 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.

U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 61st Fighter Squadron and an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the 309th Fighter Squadron, fly in formation, Jan. 19, 2024, over Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The F-35A is an agile, versatile, high-performance, 9 G-force capable multirole fighter that combines stealth, sensor fusion and unprecedented situational awareness. Flying operations at Luke AFB contribute to advancing training, producing mission command focused U.S., allied and partner Airmen to meet warfighter needs.

U.S. Air Force maintainers assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron tow an F-22 Raptor for maintenance at Łask Air Base, Poland, Aug. 31, 2022. The NATO Air Shielding mission is a multinational effort that enables long-term deterrence and an enhanced defense posture.

British Royal Navy Lt. Chris Avison, an F-35B Lightning II fighter jet pilot with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 501, taxis an F-35B Lightning II fighter jet at 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.

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II with Luke Air Force base flies in formation after being refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker with 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.

220401-N-XN177-1012 PACIFIC OCEAN (April 1, 2022) - An F-35B Lightning II aircraft attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211 lands on the flight deck while another prepares for launch aboard amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), April 1. VMFA-211 is embarked aboard Tripoli as part of the U.S. Marine Corps Lightning carrier concept demonstration. The Lightning carrier concept demonstration shows Tripoli and other amphibious assault ships are capable of operating as dedicated fixed-wing carrier platforms, capable of bringing fifth generation Short Takeoff/Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft wherever they are required.

A 325th Fighter Wing F-22A Raptor takes off for a mission Oct. 28 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. A squadron of the wings Raptors have been at Eglin since Hurricane Michael devastated Tyndall Air Force Base in 2018.

A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor assigned to the 3rd Wing conducts a training sortie above Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 19, 2022. This year marks the F-22s 25th anniversary of consistently providing America and its allies with fifth-generation air superiority.

F-35A Lightning of the U.S. Air Force.

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, ascends while conducting rolling vertical landing training during Realistic Urban Training exercise at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, June 9, 2022. VMFA-122 conducted rolling vertical landing training to enhance the squadrons ability to recover F-35Bs vertically, enabling the Marine Air-Ground Task Forces expeditionary nature of providing aviation based fires using armed forward arming and refueling sites from expeditionary advanced bases and in austere environments.

USAF F A-22 RAPTOR AT SUNSET

031017-F-5040D-285. Base: Mountain Home Air Force Base State: Idaho (ID) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Esteban Vera, a fixed wing aircraft mechanic with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, left, and Air Force Staff Sgt. Guy Hinton, a tactical aircraft maintenance specialist with 15th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, inspect an Air Force F-22 Raptor aircraft assigned with 154th Wing Hawaii Air National Guard in a hangar operated by Marine Wing Liaison Kadena (MWLK) for joint force training at Kadena Air Force base, Okinawa, Japan, June 12, 2022. MWLK provides comprehensive operational and logistical support to local and deployed U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force squadrons operating at Kadena Air Base.

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