The US military put their stunning power on full display by marching a squadron of 30 lethal fighter planes down an Air Force runway in a training drill.
The exercise, involving two dozen F-22 Raptors and six T-38 Talons from the Air Force’s 1st Fighter Wing, took place on January 31 at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia.
The clip captured rows of the fighter jets sitting on a runway before circling the asphalt in tightly spaced groups of three called an ‘elephant walk.’
This is when warplanes scramble and take off within 12 to 15 seconds of each other, potentially putting an entire squadron in the air in just minutes.
The camera pans out to capture a powerful scene of the runway filled with war-ready aircraft in what some believe is a message to America’s adversaries as tensions rise with China and Russia.
Air Force officials say the exercise serves as a reminder that the US military is capable of deploying powerful aircraft anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice.
‘The exercise was conducted to demonstrate the wing’s ability to rapidly deploy combat ready forces across the globe,’ the Air Force added in a statement.
‘The 1st FW leads the way in combat capability and lethality across the globe, serving as America’s premier Air Superiority wing.’
F-22 Raptors from the 1st Fighter Wing took part in an ‘elephant walk’ on January 31, 2025
‘Elephant walks’ are military drills practicing rapid takeoffs over a short period of time
The video was later shared by the United States Space Force – the newest branch of the military created during President Donald Trump’s first term.
A team of Airmen recorded the imposing parade, showing a row of F-22s lined up and ready for flight as military helicopters look on from the sky.
The exercise starts with 24 Air Force pilots of the 1st Fighter Wing rolling in close formation on board their F-22s.
They are later joined by a group of T-38 Talons, which are seen following behind the menacing group of fifth-generation fighter planes.
Near the end of the drill, break off one by one to approach the main runway for the minimum interval takeoff.
Since taking over the Pentagon in January, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has said his mission is to improve the deadly might of America’s military.
Hegseth said, ‘Our job is lethality and readiness and warfighting.’
‘[The US] will be no better friend to our allies and no stronger adversary to those who want to test us and try us,’ he added.
Two dozen F-22 Raptors and six smaller aircraft took part in the drill at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia
The recent show of strength comes as American finds itself with multiple global crises and potential tense situations to deal with.
Along with the threat of China surpassing American dominance in the Pacific, the US is still focused on Russia‘s invasion of Ukraine and the perpetually chaotic situation in the Middle East.
The Trump Administration is also ramping up its military presence here at home, signaling that more resources will go towards defending the US southern border.
Hegseth said, ‘Whatever is needed at the border will be provided.’
‘The Defense Department will support the defense of the territorial integrity of the United States of America’s southern border, including reservists, National Guardsmen and active-duty [personnel] in compliance with the Constitution and the laws of our land, and the directives of the commander in chief.’
The F-22 has been one of the Air Force’s most advanced aircraft since the early 2000s
The F-22’s stealthy nature make it extremely difficult for radar to spot
The video focuses on the Raptors, which can be seen lined up wing to wing before setting off on the training exercise.
A single helicopter can be seen observing the military demonstration, but it is unclear if it played a direct role in the elephant walk.
It is only the second time the military has performed this drill at Langley, with the first taking place in 2019.
As for the Air Force’s show of force on January 31, the Pentagon chose one of its most lethal aircraft to deliver this not-so-subtle message.
The F-22 Raptor debuted in 2005 and was designed by Lockheed Martin to control the skies with superior technology.
Raptors were ‘the world’s first stealthy air dominance fighter,’ according to the Air Force.
Its advanced stealth technology continues to make it difficult for enemy radar to detect them, even 20 years after their debut.
Video of the F-22 elephant walk was released by the US Space Force after the demonstration
Raptors are deployed throughout the world by the US Air Force, including in Europe, to work with NATO
The military exercise took place as global tensions continue to rise, including in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East
The highly maneuverable jet can achieve supersonic speeds, can track multiple targets simultaneously, and carry a precision-guided missile payload – making it capable of defending airspace, conducting reconnaissance missions, and striking targets anywhere.
F-22s have already been deployed to Europe to participate in NATO exercises as the conflict in Ukraine enters its fourth year.
The new Air Force video is likely the latest example of the Trump Administration’s emphasis on ‘peace through strength,’ or the belief that the demonstration of superior military power will act as a deterrent to any other nations considering the use of force.
‘Together, we will secure peace through strength, and make America, and the world, safe again!’ then President-elect Trump promised in 2024.
Meanwhile, the six T-38 Talons that took part in the elephant walk currently serve as a training plane for Air Force pilots.
The Air Force notes on its website that, ‘Air Education and Training Command uses the T-38C to prepare pilots for front-line fighter and bomber aircraft such as the F-15E Strike Eagle, F-15C Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, B-1B Lancer, A-10 Thunderbolt and F-22 Raptor.’
Talons have been in service since 1959, with newer models for test pilots arriving in 2001.
This article was originally published by a www.dailymail.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .