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 takes off from a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility June 23, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Noah J. Tancer)
Iron in Action
A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle performs a flare check over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 9, 2025. The F-15E is deployed within the CENTCOM AOR to help defend U.S. interests, promote regional security and deter aggression in the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Willis)
Iron in Action
A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft takes off from a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility June 19, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Noah J. Tancer)
Iron in Action
A U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress assigned to the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron prepares to refuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility during a Bomber Task Force mission, Feb. 20, 2025. Bombers routinely deploy to the Middle East, and European and Pacific theaters to demonstrate the U.S. military’s ability to rapidly deploy combat power anywhere in the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Gerald R. Willis)
Iron in Action
A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon flies in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility May 23, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt Tiffany A. Emery)
Iron in Action
A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle soars over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility on Feb. 18, 2025, showcasing its exceptional speed, agility and combat effectiveness. The F-15E’s superior maneuverability and acceleration are made possible by its high engine thrust-to-weight ratio, low-wing loading and advanced avionics, allowing it to dominate the battlespace with precision and power. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. William Rio Rosado)
Iron in Action
A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft flies in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility June 9, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt Tiffany A. Emery)
Iron in Action
A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III prepares to load a U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopter within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Feb. 6, 2025. The C-17 transported several AH-64s tasked to support Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sarah Ortega Corona)
Iron in Action
A U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft refuels an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility June 9, 2026. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt Tiffany A. Emery)
Iron in Action
A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft assigned to the 16th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron sits on the flightline at an undisclosed location during a mission in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 20, 2025. The 16th EAS directly supports the CENTCOM mission through cargo operations across the AOR ensuring rapid mobility for personnel and equipment anytime of the day or night. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Travis Knauss)
Iron in Action
A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft takes off from a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility June 20, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Donnie Hatheway)
Iron in Action
A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft receives fuel from the boom of a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility July 13, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Tiffany A. Emery)
Iron in Action
A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft takes off from a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility June 18, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Justin W. Moore)
Iron in Action
A U.S. Air Force pilot taxis aboard a U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft at a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility June 18, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Justin W. Moore)
Iron in Action
A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft receives fuel from the boom of a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility June 30, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt Tiffany A. Emery)
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 in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility June 30, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt Tiffany A. Emery)
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