F-16 Fighting Falcons

Images feature various models of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, showcasing preflight checks, operational readiness, and military aircraft activities in different settings.

U.S. Air Force F-16CM/DM Fighting Falcon operating from Graf Ignatievo Air Base, Bulgaria.

U.S. Air Force F-16CM/DM Fighting Falcon operating from Graf Ignatievo Air Base, Bulgaria.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. David Way, 157th Fighter Squadron pilot, and Senior Airman Sean Keely, 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, perform preflight checks as they prepare a F-16 fighter jet from the South Carolina Air National Guards 169th Fighter Wing to depart Columbia Metropolitan Airport in West Columbia, South Carolina to an alternate airfield September 29, 2022. The temporary relocation is a safety precaution ahead of the anticipated arrival of Hurricane Ian. The aircraft will return to South Carolina and resume their normal flight training operations just as soon as conditions allow.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. David Way, 157th Fighter Squadron pilot, and Senior Airman Sean Keely, 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, perform preflight checks as they prepare a F-16 fighter jet from the South Carolina Air National Guards 169th Fighter Wing to depart Columbia Metropolitan Airport in West Columbia, South Carolina to an alternate airfield September 29, 2022. The temporary relocation is a safety precaution ahead of the anticipated arrival of Hurricane Ian. The aircraft will return to South Carolina and resume their normal flight training operations just as soon as conditions allow.

A Turkish Air Force F-16D Block 50+ Fighting Falcon on the flight line.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft from the 35th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Wing, Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, attempts a hook barrier engagement scenario during Kunsan's Beverly Bearcat Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI). The 8th Fighter Wing personnel are being evaluated on their wartime capabilities as well as their ability to survive and operate during their ORI. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

011018-F-7910D-007. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Combat Command

Members of the 510th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron perform preflight checks on a F-16 Fighting Falcon at 86th Air Base, Romania, July 12, 2022. The 510th EFS conducts enhanced Air Policing operations over NATO airspace in order to maintain peace, prosperity and stability in the region.

A US Air Force F-16 Falcon from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, is the first U.S. warplane to touch Slovak soil after touching down at Malacky Air Base, Slovakia. Colonel Richard Reynolds, Spangdahlem's 23rd Fighter Squadron Commander, landed the plane April 1. More than 200 Spangdahlem Airmen (Not Shown) are deployed to Malacky for a two-week training exercise, named Lion's Claw, that is giving U.S. and Slovak Air Forces an opportunity to share tactics, techniques and procedures. Subject Operation/Series: LION'S CLAW Base: Malacky Country: Slovakia (SVK)

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle assigned to the 67th Fighter Squadron takes off from Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 21, 2023. Kadena serves as the keystone for air power in the Pacific, ensuring Kadena is ready to project force capabilities and provide support to regional Allies and partners when called upon.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot from the 389th Fighter Squadron (FS), sits in fighter just before departing on a sortie in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

Hellenic air force F-16 taxis down the runway at Andravida Air Base, Greece, April 4, 2022. The U.S., Cyprus, France, Israel, Romania, Italy, Slovenia, Austria and Canada supported and participated in INIOCHOS 22, a Hellenic air force-led operational and tactical level field training exercise, hosted by the Hellenic Air Tactics Center at Greeces fighter weapons school.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 during Exercise Thracian Star in Bulgaria.

F-16C Falcon from the 310th Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Wing, Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, sits on the ramp at the Nevada base awaiting its participation in GUNSMOKE '95. The F-16 has an air combat range data link pod mounted on its left wing tip while an AIM-9 Sidewinder is mounted on the right wing tip. Exact Date Shot Unknown. Subject Operation/Series: GUNSMOKE '95 Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030408-F-3082A-043. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

A Hellenic Air Force F-16 taxiing at Trapani Air Base, Italy.

Lt. Gen. Scott Rolls” Pleus, 7th Air Force commander, takes-off in a F-16 at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Aug. 5, 2022. Gen. Pleus is a command pilot with more than 2,500 flight hours. (U.S. Air Force photos by Tech. Sgt. Timothy Dischinat)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft flies over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Jan. 1, 2022. The U.S. Air Force routinely flies a variety of aircraft and units throughout the Middle East, and these dynamic deployments represent the U.S. commitment to their partners and enhances regional security.

Line-up of Hellenic Air Force F-16 aircraft.

A line of 14th Tactical Fighter Squadron F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft prepare for takeoff during Exercise Cope Thunder 90-2. Subject Operation/Series: COPE THUNDER 90-2 Country: Philippines (PHL)

A F-16C from the 35th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Wing, Kunsan Air Base (AB), Republic of Korea, passes by the control tower at Kunsan AB, before it takes off for another mission in support of Foal Eagle '98 Oct 28,1998. Subject Operation/Series: FOAL EAGLE '98KOREA CD Base: Port Of Pyongtaek Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

A U.S Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, taxis before takeoff March 31, 2022, at Andravida Air Base, Greece. The U.S. and Greece hold common values based on freedom and democracy. Their strong Greek-U.S. military relations date back to the early 19th century when American philhellenes proudly fought alongside the Greeks and supported their fight for freedom.

US Air Force F-16 Falcons from the New Jersey Air National Guard prepare to have their weapons armed at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, during Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. The F-16s are a part of the coalition forces of the 363d Air Expeditionary Wing, Prince Sultan AB, SAU, that enforces the no-fly and no-drive zone in Southern Iraq to protect and defend against Iraqi aggression. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: Prince Sultan Air Base Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

A Fighter Pilot, Captain Brett "Zipper" Robinson takes his F-16 Fighting Falcon on a sortie, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

An F-16D Fighting Falcon of the Royal Singapore Air Force taking off from Orange Air Base, France, as part of Exercise Garuda IV.

041118-F-1740G-006. Base: Hyakuri Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

A German air force Tornado aircraft flies alongside a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, during exercise Cobra Warrior 22 over the North Sea, Sept. 7, 2022. The partnerships we have created through recurring training events like Cobra Warrior better support our ability to employ a strategic force in theater whenever were called upon.

AV8B Harrier jump jet

021021-F-4177H-001. Base: RAF Lakenheath Country: United Kingdom (GBR)

A Polish Air Force F-16 Block 52 at Cambrai Air Base, France, during the NATO Tiger Meet 2011.

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon turns on to final approach.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 36th Fighter Squadron waits to take-off on an alternate landing strip (ALS) prior to flying a training sortie at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 14, 2022. The ALS serves as a back-up air strip allowing aircraft to take off and land in the event of the main runway sustaining heavy damage.

A U.S. Navy E/A-18G Growler takes off from Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada

A F-16C of the Hellenic Air Force returning to base after a mission.

An F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 336th Fighter Squadron arrives at Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 8, 2023. The Strike Eagle will work in conjunction with F-35A Lightning II aircraft deployed from Eielson Air Force Base and remaining F-15C/D Eagles at Kadena Air Base to ensure continued steady-state fighter capabilities in the region.

An Israeli Air Force F-16I Sufa prepares for landing.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 18th Aggressor Squadron lands after a mission during Distant Frontier on Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Oct. 3, 2012. The 18th AS aircraft acted as the enemy” during Distant Frontier and Red Flag-Alaska to test the combat capabilities of participating units.

040715-F-1466H-002. Base: Swanton State: Ohio (OH) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle carrying a Talon Hate pod.

A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet assigned to Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, takes off during Weapons System Evaluation Program-East 22.08 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 17, 2022. WSEP is a formal, two-week evaluation exercise designed to test a squadrons capabilities to conduct live-fire weapons systems during air-to-air combat training missions.

A right side view of a TF-16N Fighting Falcon aircraft of the Navy Fighter Weapons School parked on the flight line. Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030228-F-0718S-010. Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Chilean Air Force F-16 at Natal Air Force Base, Brazil.

A United Arab Emirates Air Force F-16E Block 60 at Konya Air Base.

A left front view of a Marine Attack Squadron 322 (VMA-332) A-4M Skyhawk aircraft parked on the flight line. Base: Naval Air Station, Dallas State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 555th Fighter Squadron, flies overhead during exercise Emerald Strike 2023 at Grosseto Air Base, Italy, Jan. 31, 2023. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft. It is highly maneuverable and has proven itself in air-to-surface attack. It provides a relatively low-cost, high-performance weapon system for the United States and allied nations.

A Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) F-5F Tiger II aircraft takes off during the dissimilar aircraft flying Exercise COMMANDO WEST 6. Personnel and aircraft of the 3rd Tactical Fighter Squadron are participating in the exercise with members of the Royal Thai Air Force. Subject Operation/Series: COMMANDO WEST 6 Base: Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA)

U.S. Air Force F-16CM Fighting Falcon taking off, Aviano, Italy.

An Iraqi Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon takes off.

Hellenic Air Force F-16C Block 52 preparing for takeoff.

020702-F-4177H-003. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

A U.S. Navy E/A-18G Growler aircraft assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 138 prepares to depart a hangar operated by Marine Wing Liaison Kadena (MWLK) for joint force training at Kadena Air Force base, Okinawa, Japan, June 13, 2022. MWLK provides comprehensive operational and logistical support to local and deployed U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy squadrons operating at Kadena Air Base.

Two Royal Bahraini F-16 Fighting Falcons take off while a U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon prepares to taxi at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Jan. 14, 2024. The U.S. along with partner nations, operate a highly agile fighting force, leveraging the most advanced platforms to deter aggression and ensure stability in the region.

A Typhoon of the Royal Air Force climbs away from Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.

A Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon takes off for a daily mission.

Colorado Air National Guard F-16C Jet during Exercise Air Defender 2023 in Jagel, Germany.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Madison Woo, South Carolina Air National Guard's 157th Fighter Squadron Commander and Colombia Air Force pilot, Maj. Jorge Vargas prepare for a familiarization flight in a U.S. Air Force F-16D Fighting Falcon flight during Relampago VII, an exercise in Barranquilla, Colombia, Sept. 7, 2022. The purpose of this exercise is to provide the Colombian Air Force with requested realistic interoperability training as allied countries, under NATO standards. South Carolina is Colombias State Partner in the State Partnership Program.

Ukrainian Air Force MiG-29 during Exercise Clear Sky in Ukraine.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Eagle assigned to the 492nd Fighter Squadron takes off from the flight line during Point Blank 22-2 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, April 28, 2022. This iteration of Point Blank included participation from the French Air Force, Royal Air Force and Royal Netherlands Air Force.

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, May 5, 2022. The 179th EFS delivers airpower and showcases U.S. commitment to deterrence and regional stability.

DF-ST-89-05831. Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

041106-F-7270C-002. Base: Terra Haute State: Indiana (IN) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Lift off of an F-16C, Block 52, Figthting Falcon, 169th Fighter Wing, South Carolina Air National Guard, McEntire Air National Guard Base, South Carolina. Aircraft is carring an AGM-88 air-to-surface High speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM), the AN/ASQ 213 HARM Targeting System (HTS) and an AIM-9 Sidewinder short range air-to-air misssile, 9 July 1999. Base: Mcentire Ang Station State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020807-F-1789V-004. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command aircraft conducted a bilateral exercise with Republic of Korea Air Force 7 June, 2022. This exercise was conducted to demonstrate our nation's rapid reaction capabilities, high levels of force readiness, close coordination, bilateral interoperability, and credible deterrent capacity amid the increasing tensions and destabilizing regional security events brought about by North Korea.

The US Air Force F-16C Falcon, flagship of the 52d Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, flies in the skies over northern Germany. Spangdahlem AB consists of two F-16 squadrons, the 22nd and 23rd Fighter Squadrons. It's also home to the 81st Fighter Squadron, which flies the A-10 Thunderbolt II (Not shown). Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

040327-F-5833N-326. Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT)

A Hellenic Air Force F-16C Block 52 landing during joint exercise INIOHOS 2016.

RF-4C Phantom reconnaissance aircraft from the 152nd Tactical Reconnaissance Group, Reno, Nev., prepare for a mission during Operation Desert Shield.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia(SAU)

021010-F-4649H-026. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 13th Fighter Squadron takes off of the runway during Exercise Beverly Sunrise 22-06 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 29, 2022. The exercise is part of an effort to incorporate Agile Combat Employment, a proactive and reactive operational scheme of maneuver executed within threat timelines to increase survivability and continue to generate combat power despite enemy attempts at saturation attacks on forward airfields.

A Spanish Air Force EF-18A aircraft ready for take-off at Konya Air Base, Turkey

A U.S. Air Forces in Europe F-15E Strike Eagle on the flight line in Andravida, Greece.

010827-F-2171A-003. Base: Luke Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AETC

020402-F-9032T-012. Base: RAF Lakenheath Country: United Kingdom (GBR) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighter JetsHill Air Force BaseUtahUSA

A U.S. Air Force F-16CJ Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, takes off from Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Aug. 24, 2022. The 79th EFS projects combat airpower across AFCENTs area of responsibility, supporting personnel, improving force movement, and showing U.S. and partner nations resolve in the region.

Zwei Eurofighter Mehrzweckkampfflugzeuge der Luftwaffe Bundeswehr, aufgenommen aus einem Airbus A400 Transportflugzeug bei der Uebung Rapid Viking 2023. Keflavik Island 03.08.2023

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle.

An air-to-air left front view of a 613th Tactical Fighter Squadron F-16A Fighting Falcon aircraft over Sicily. Country: Unknown

F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing, Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, conducted a bilateral exercise with Republic of Korea Air Force 7 June, 2022 to demonstrate the ability of the combined US-ROK forces to respond quickly to crisis events. The ROK-U.S. Alliance remains committed to peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and throughout the Indo-Pacific. The U.S. commitment to the defense of the ROK remains ironclad.

Israeli Air Force F-15B Baz taking off from Ovda Air Base, Israel.

F-16CM ready to taxi before a mission from Aviano Air Base, Italy.

120611-N-NB694-258ARABIAN GULF (June 11, 2012) An EA-6B Prowler assigned to the Lancers of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 131 prepares to trap the arresting wire aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and combat flight operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

US Marine Corps aviator prepares to launch a Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier from Al Asad Air Base, Al Anbar Province, Iraq

A U.S. Navy F/A-18C at the flightline, JRB NAS New Orleans, Louisiana.

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 555th Fighter Squadron from the 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy, lands at Royal Air Force Base Lakenheath, United Kingdom, Aug. 24, 2022, in preparation for the Royal Air Forces Cobra Warrior 2022 exercise. The partnerships created through recurring training events, like Cobra Warrior, better support NATOs ability to employ a strategic force in theater whenever called upon.

A right front view of one of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing's seven new F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, parked on the ramp. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

A left rear quarter view of a camouflaged KF-18C Hornet aircraft of the Kuwaiti Air Force parked on the flight line. The aircraft is to be delivered to Kuwait by pilots of Marine Reserve Strike Fighter Squadron 321 (VMFA-321). Base: Naval Air Facility, Andrews Afb State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Royal Thai Air Force F-16 during Exercise Cope Tiger 2016.

Royal Thai Air Force F-16 during Exercise Cope Tiger 2017.

040414-F-9032T-012. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: Suffolk Country: United Kingdom (GBR)

An air-to-air left side view of an F-15 Eagle aircraft assigned to the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing, Kadena Air Base, Japan. Country: Unknown

021107-F-7709A-008. State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force aggressor F-16C Fighting Falcon.

070816-F-4192W-544. Base: Unknown

030422-F-0856M-106. Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: Centaf

An F-16 Fighting Falcon releases a flare over Grand Bay Bombing and Gunnery Range at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., March 4, 2016. Multiple aircraft within Air Combat Command conducted joint aerial training that showcased tactical air and ground maneuvers as well as weapons capabilities.

Right rear view of an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft taking off during Exercise Team Spirit '82. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '82 Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

A Spanish Air Force F/A-18A returns to Florennes Air Base, Belgium.

020208-F-1851B-561. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: Prince Sultan Air Base Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

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