F-22s Pulled From Super Bowl Flyover, Rerouted At the Last Moment For ‘Operational Assignments’

The U.S. Air Force has confirmed that F-22 Raptors, originally slated to appear in Sunday’s Super Bowl LX flyover, were pulled from the formation and redirected for active duty. Officials cited a surge in operational demands as the reason behind the last-minute change.

Despite their removal, the flyover will proceed with a powerful aerial display featuring B-1 Lancer bombers and F-15C Eagle fighters from the Air Force, alongside F/A-18 Super Hornets and F-35C Lightning II jets from the Navy. The commemorative patch released ahead of the event still includes an F-22 silhouette, reflecting early planning.

The decision to pull the fifth-generation fighters comes amid heightened military activity overseas. F-22s have recently participated in high-profile operations, including strikes on ISIS in Syria, the campaign against Iranian nuclear sites, and air dominance efforts over Venezuela.

Katie Spencer, the Air Force’s Sports Outreach Program manager, said the decision was a direct result of shifting priorities. “Operational tempo has increased,” she stated, noting that mission needs outweighed ceremonial plans.

To maintain the intended formation, F-15C Eagles from California’s Air National Guard were added late in the process. Officials said the revised lineup still captures the intended symbolism of strength, heritage, and modern airpower ahead of America’s 250th anniversary.

The Air Force emphasized that the flyover is part of scheduled training missions and does not require additional taxpayer funding. These flights allow aircrews to practice precise timing and coordination under real conditions.

On the ground, a joint color guard from all branches of the military will participate in the pre-game ceremony. With Levi’s Stadium’s open roof and ideal flyover visibility, officials say fans can still expect a thrilling show of force before kickoff.