Aviation Nation 2025 at Nellis AFB, NV

Vegas, Baby! – Aviation Nation 2025 marked a significant return after its cancellation in 2024. Traditionally held in November, this year’s event took place earlier, on April 5–6, offering aviation enthusiasts a springtime spectacle under the clear Nevada skies. The event attracted over 100.000 visitors, eager to witness the U.S. Air Force’s capabilities and the evolution of air power. Last but not least, Nellis AFB is the home of the USAF Thunderbirds, and Aviation Nation kicked off their display season 2025.

The early April date provided a unique opportunity for European airshow enthusiasts to kickstart their season in the US with a major event. While Saturday experienced strong, chilly winds, the clear blue skies offered excellent visibility, compensating for the challenging backlit photo conditions that Nellis is known for.

Thrilling Aerial Performances

The air show featured a lineup of impressive aerial demonstrations. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds headlined the event, showcasing precision flying in their F-16 Fighting Falcons. Despite the absence of Thunderbird 3, the team delivered captivating performances, maintaining their reputation for excellence.

The F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team displayed the aircraft’s agility and power, performing maneuvers that left the audience in awe. The demonstration culminated in the USAF Heritage Flight, featuring the F-22 alongside one F-5E Tiger II, paying homage to the US Air Force’s rich history.

Other notable performances included the US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet Tactical Demonstration by VFA-122, and the newly established KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling demonstration.

But the Combined Arms Demonstration (CAD) remains the highlight at Aviation Nation. It includes all fast jets based at Nellis AFB, notable Aggressor F-16s, and F-16s, F-22s, F-35s, F-15Es and A-10s of the Weapon School and Operational Test & Evaluation (OT&E) Squadrons. They are putting up a great 30min showpiece including pyrotechnic effects, even though the usage of flares in past year was more excessive than this time

Last but not least, the SoCal Wing of the Commentative Air Force flew some warbirds. Their PBJ Mitchell, Bearcat and Spitfire overtook the main warbird part of the flying display.

Comprehensive Static Displays

Attendees had the opportunity to explore a wide array of aircraft on static display. Highlights included the F-35A Lightning II, F-15E Strike Eagle, A-10C Thunderbolt II, and various Aggressor Squadron aircraft that call Nellis their home.

Special attention was drawn to the Aggressor Squadron’s aircraft, notably the F-16C with its distinctive livery and the F-35A adorned in Aggressor camouflage. These aircraft play a crucial role in training pilots by simulating enemy tactics. Additionally, the US Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163 (VMM-163), painted with “Evil Eyes,” stood out as one of the most exotic military aircraft on display.

Food vendors, merchandise stalls, and informational booths lined the venue, ensuring a comprehensive experience that combined entertainment with education. The event emphasized community engagement, highlighting the Air Force’s commitment to fostering public interest and understanding of its mission.

Logistics, Accessibility and Photo Opportunities

To accommodate the large number of visitors, parking was organized at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, with complimentary shuttle services transporting attendees to and from the base. There were obviously delays with the shuttles on Saturday, but things were optimized for Sunday, when visitors noticeably started flocking into the static display a lot earlier than the day before.

Despite the early spring date, weather conditions were very favorable, with clear skies enhancing the visibility of aerial demonstrations. Attendees were well advised to put on sunscreen, wear hats, and hearing protection to fully enjoy the experience. And even though the event is notoriously backlit, the mountainous background and reflected light from the dessert ground helps a lot. Also some spots along the taxiway offer spots there backlit photos can be taken.

Green Flag leftovers

Before Aviation Nation one of the famous Flag exercises was held at Nellis. The Turkish, Saudi Arabian and UAE Air Forces were still in Nevada, and used the morning slots on Saturday and Sunday to train their pilots and fly missions on the ranges in Nevada.

Saudi Typhoons and UAE F-16E/Fs could be photographed upon their return, the Turkish F-16 unfortunately remained on the runway on the far side, hidden by distance, heat haze and backlight.

Aviation Nation 05 wrap-up

Aviation Nation 2025 successfully showcased the prowess and professionalism of the U.S. Air Force. The event offered a blend of thrilling aerial performances and informative static displays, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. As Nellis is always worth a visit due to the large variety of aircraft on site, take a look into the airshow calendars 2026, when Aviation Nation is supposed to return to its regular date in November.

Due to the great weather conditions, especially on Saturday, this photo gallery includes > 200 photos!

Aviation Nation 2025 Photo Gallery