Military Flyover Lineup Adjusted for Super Bowl LX

F-22 Raptors pulled for 'operational assignments', B-1 Lancers to lead revised flyover

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The planned military aircraft flyover for Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California has been adjusted, with the highly advanced F-22 Raptor fighter jets no longer participating. Instead, the flyover will feature a formation led by B-1 Lancer bombers, along with F-15C Eagles, F/A-18 Super Hornets, and F-35C Lightning fighters.

Why it matters

The Super Bowl flyover is an important annual tradition that showcases American air power. The absence of the F-22 Raptor, considered one of the world's premier fighter jets, is significant, though the revised lineup still promises an impressive display. This year's flyover also holds special meaning as it coincides with the United States' 250th anniversary.

The details

According to Katie Spencer, the sports outreach program manager for the Department of the Air Force, the initial plans included a pair of F-22 Raptors, but those fighter jets were pulled for 'some operational assignments.' The revised flyover will now feature B-1 Lancer bombers leading the formation, along with F-15C Eagles, F/A-18 Super Hornets, and F-35C Lightning fighters. Spencer said the B-1 Lancer was chosen to 'replicate what it means to be time over target at a certain point' and that the flyover will be the 'loudest' yet.

  • The Super Bowl LX is set to start at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

The players

Katie Spencer

The sports outreach program manager for the Department of the Air Force.

New England Patriots

The NFL team competing in Super Bowl LX, seeking a record seventh championship victory.

Seattle Seahawks

The NFL team competing in Super Bowl LX, currently the narrow favorites to win.

Bad Bunny

The Puerto Rican superstar set to make history with his halftime performance at Super Bowl LX.

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What they’re saying

“We wanted fifth-generation aircraft from the Air Force and fifth-generation aircraft from the Navy. But 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, Department of the Air Force (Military Times)

“Fans are really going to see something special. And they're going to hear something special. They're going to feel the sound of freedom in the pits of their soul when this formation flies over.”

— Katie Spencer, sports outreach program manager, Department of the Air Force (Military Times)

What’s next

The Super Bowl LX flyover is set to take place on Sunday, February 8, 2026 as part of the pre-game festivities.

The takeaway

While the absence of the F-22 Raptor is notable, the revised military flyover lineup for Super Bowl LX still promises an impressive display of American air power. The inclusion of the B-1 Lancer bomber as the lead aircraft underscores the event's significance in celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary.