While it is unclear if they are needed for a possible American attack on Iran, this type of aircraft participated in the US's Operation Midnight Hammer in June of last year.

A US Air Force F-22 Raptor fighter jet climbs after taking off from the former Roosevelt Roads naval base, after the U.S. struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, January 4, 2026.

A US Air Force F-22 Raptor fighter jet climbs after taking off from the former Roosevelt Roads naval base, after the U.S. struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, January 4, 2026.

(photo credit: REUTERS/RICARDO ARDUENGO)

ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

FEBRUARY 7, 2026 21:04

Updated: FEBRUARY 7, 2026 21:07

The US Air Force removed F-22 Raptors from the Super Bowl LX flyover lineup on Friday, after the jets were reassigned to operational missions.

While it is unclear if they are needed for a possible American attack on Iran, this type of aircraft participated in the US's Operation Midnight Hammer in June of last year.

The flyover itself remains scheduled for Sunday over Levi's Stadium, with an eight-aircraft formation made up of two B-1B Lancers, two F-15C Eagles, two Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets, and two F-35C Lightning IIs, according to an Air Force announcement.

Katie Spencer, who helped coordinate the flyover, told Military Times that planners had originally intended to include a pair of F-22s so both services could feature fifth-generation fighters. She said rising operational demands led to the change, and she did not specify the missions involved.

A US Air Force F-22 Raptor fighter jet climbs after taking off from the former Roosevelt Roads naval base, after the U.S. struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, January 4, 2026.

A US Air Force F-22 Raptor fighter jet climbs after taking off from the former Roosevelt Roads naval base, after the U.S. struck Venezuela and captured its President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, January 4, 2026. (credit: REUTERS/RICARDO ARDUENGO)

The switch also clarified why some early promotional material suggested F-22 participation. Spencer said the event patch reflected earlier planning, before the jets were reassigned.

Air Force frames flyover as training event

The Air Force has framed the flyover as a training event, with crews required to time the pass precisely to the end of the national anthem. In an Air Force feature on preparations near the stadium, the service described Moffett Air National Guard Base as a hub for the joint operation in the days leading up to kickoff.

Separately, Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation have issued “no drone zone” guidance and temporary flight restrictions tied to Super Bowl-related events, including restricted airspace around Levi’s Stadium on game day.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5832245&forum_id=2Ã#49654268)