This gallery highlights U.S. Air Force assets and equipment operating under Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) that play a vital role in securing the United States Central Command 20-nation area of responsibility. A diverse fleet of advanced aircraft — including multi-role fighters, heavy airlifters, aerial refuelers, and sophisticated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms — stay ready to deliver decisive airpower, rapid mobility, and constant vigilance. Supporting these aerial assets are extensive, strategically positioned equipment programs and war reserve materiel stockpiles maintained across regional sites, ensuring the immediate availability of parts, munitions, and ground support to sustain continuous rapid-response operations and deter aggression throughout Southwest Asia.
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Iron in Action
A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft approaches the boom of a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility June 10, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt Tiffany A. Emery)
Iron in Action
A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon takes off in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility May 21, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Noah J. Tancer)
Iron in Action
A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft refuels from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility May 21, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Adriana Jordan-Alcaniz)
Iron in Action
A U.S. Air Force Fighting Falcon aircraft takes off during Operation Epic Fury, March 27, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo)
Iron in Action
A U.S. Air Force F-15E takes flight in the Middle East in support of Operation Epic Fury, March 2, 2026. (U.S. Air Force Photo)
Iron in Action
A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft flies in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility June 19, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Adriana Jordan-Alcaniz)
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A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft to refuel in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Aug. 13, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Adriana Jordan-Alcaniz)
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A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft receives fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Aug. 13, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Adriana Jordan-Alcaniz)
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A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft flies in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Aug. 13, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Adriana Jordan-Alcaniz)
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A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft approaches the boom of a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Aug. 10, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. James K. Thomas)
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A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft lands at a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Aug. 2, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Justin W. Moore)
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A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft approaches the boom of a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Aug. 7, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brooklyn Golightly)
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A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft approaches a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Aug. 7, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brooklyn Golightly)
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A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft takes off from a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility July 20, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Justin W. Moore)
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A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft takes off from a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility July 24, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Noah J. Tancer)
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A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft takes off from a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility July 20, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Noah J. Tancer)
Iron in Action
U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons fly a presence patrol over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 11, 2025. Fighting Falcons fly routine patrols to deter aggression and bolster the regional defensive posture in the CENTCOM AOR. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jackson Manske)
Iron in Action
A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft takes off within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Oct. 22, 2025. The C-17 performs a variety of tactical and strategic missions including cargo and troop delivery and airdrop operations. Such long-range aircraft capabilities enable U.S. and coalition partners to move tons of required materiel and personnel in support of combat and humanitarian operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Justin Norton)
Iron in Action
U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft approach a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft to refuel in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility July 5, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brooklyn Golightly)
Iron in Action
U.S. Airmen load GBU-31 munition systems onto an F-15E Strike Eagle within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 18, 2025, in support of Operation Hawkeye Strike. (U.S. Air Force photo)
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