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Super Bowl LX Flyover to Feature Revised Aircraft Lineup
F-22 Raptor absent from formation due to increased operational demands, Air Force says
Published on Feb. 7, 2026
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The planned flyover for Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2026 will feature a revised aircraft lineup, with the Air Force F-22 Raptor absent from the formation despite appearing on commemorative flight suit patches. The change is due to increased operational demands, according to a planner for the flyover.
Why it matters
The Super Bowl flyover is a highly anticipated event that showcases American military airpower. The absence of the F-22 Raptor, one of the most advanced fighter jets, raises questions about the operational tempo and priorities of the U.S. Air Force.
The details
The initial plan included a pair of F-22s to showcase 5th-generation aircraft from both the Air Force and the Navy. However, Katie Spencer, the Sports Outreach Program manager for the Department of the Air Force, said the F-22s "got pulled for some operational assignments" due to increased operational tempo. The flyover will now feature Air Force B-1 Lancer bombers and F-15C Eagle fighters, alongside Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets and F-35C Lightning fighters.
- The Super Bowl LIX flyover is scheduled for February 9, 2026.
- The F-22 Raptor has been heavily involved in recent military operations, notably playing a key role in Operation Midnight Hammer, the B-2 Spirit bomber-led strike campaign on Iranian nuclear facilities in June.
- More recently, U.S. Aircraft, including potentially F-22s, conducted strikes on ISIS sites in Syria as part of Operation Hawkeye Strike in January and early February.
The players
Katie Spencer
The Sports Outreach Program manager for the Department of the Air Force.
F-22 Raptor
The most advanced fighter jet in the U.S. Air Force's inventory.
B-1 Lancer
A bomber aircraft that will lead the flyover formation.
F-15C Eagle
A fighter aircraft that will be part of the flyover formation.
F/A-18 Super Hornet
A fighter aircraft that will be part of the flyover formation.
F-35C Lightning
A 5th-generation fighter aircraft that will be part of the flyover formation.
What they’re saying
“We wanted 5th-generation aircraft from the Air Force and 5th-generation aircraft from the Navy.”
— Katie Spencer, Sports Outreach Program manager for the Department of the Air Force (Military Times)
“As things happen in our military, you know, operational tempo has increased and so the F-22s got pulled for some operational assignments.”
— Katie Spencer, Sports Outreach Program manager for the Department of the Air Force (Military Times)
“Our Guard members have stepped in to fill that role, and we're super grateful for that.”
— Katie Spencer, Sports Outreach Program manager for the Department of the Air Force (Military Times)
“We wanted a unique display of air power. Our bombers are beloved by everybody, and they really replicate what it means to be time over target at a certain point. So it was a no-brainer to have bombers in this formation.”
— Katie Spencer, Sports Outreach Program manager for the Department of the Air Force (Military Times)
“This prestigious inter-service team from the Capitol's region combining members from the Navy, Air Force, Army, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force provide unparalleled ceremonial precision and national representation.”
— Navy officials (Navy release)
What’s next
The flyover has been roughly a year in the making, requiring coordination with the National Football League, NBC broadcasters, and the Federal Aviation Administration. The location, Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, a conventional stadium rather than a dome, allows for a larger-than-typical flyover formation.
The takeaway
The absence of the F-22 Raptor, one of the most advanced fighter jets, from the Super Bowl LIX flyover highlights the increased operational demands on the U.S. Air Force. However, the revised flyover formation still promises to showcase a powerful display of American airpower, featuring a range of iconic aircraft from both the Air Force and Navy.
