Military aviation activity involving high-performance aircraft occurs frequently within California’s airspace. These operations encompass training exercises, routine patrols, and responses to potential threats. Such activity is visible and audible to residents across the state, particularly near military installations and designated training areas. Examples include practice intercepts, aerial refueling, and formation flying maneuvers.
Maintaining proficient pilots and crews ready to defend national airspace requires consistent training and operational readiness. California’s diverse geography and climate offer ideal environments for various training scenarios. The state’s numerous air bases and military installations play a vital role in national defense, aerospace development, and related industries, contributing significantly to the state’s economy. Historically, California has been at the forefront of aviation and aerospace innovation, serving as a critical hub for military aviation since the early days of flight.