Santa Clara, United States
News Desk | Sports
A coordinated formation of U.S. military aircraft will conduct the Super Bowl LX flyover during the national anthem on Feb. 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, commemorating the United States’ 250th anniversary, according to defense officials. The eight-aircraft display highlights joint service cooperation and continues a longstanding Super Bowl tradition tied to major national milestones.
The planned Super Bowl flyover aircraft include two Air Force B-1 Lancer bombers from Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota and two F-15C Eagle fighters from Fresno Air National Guard Base in California. They will be joined by two Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets and two F-35C Lightning II aircraft from Naval Air Station Lemoore in California, forming a combined Air Force–Navy formation.
Military officials said the flyover is intended to symbolize the nation’s airpower, maritime strength, and cooperation across the joint force during a globally watched sporting event. Although only Air Force and Navy aircraft are in the formation, the display is meant to represent all U.S. military branches working together to defend the country, according to an official release.
Earlier planning considered including F-22 Raptor fighters, but the aircraft were reassigned to operational duties, underscoring how mission requirements can take precedence over ceremonial participation, officials involved in the planning said.
Security operations surrounding the game include extensive airborne surveillance, marine patrols, and restricted airspace enforced by federal, state, and local agencies across the San Francisco Bay Area to protect large crowds expected for the event.
Military flyovers have remained a consistent feature of Super Bowl opening ceremonies, often designed to showcase specific aircraft capabilities or commemorate historic anniversaries tied to the year’s event.
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