Iconic Stealth Fighter Still in Skies: F-117 Nighthawks Continue to Fly

The U.S. Air Force continues to actively operate F-117 Nighthawk, delaying the retirement of the iconic stealth aircraft.

New photographs published by The Aviationist show the F-117s being relocated from Tonopah Test Range Airport to Groom Lake Air Force Base, also known unofficially as “Area 51.”

The move is linked to repair work underway at Tonopah.

The presence of the Nighthawk at Groom Lake carries symbolic significance, as the base was the original testing site for the revolutionary aircraft during its development.

In early April, air spotter jmh.creates also captured images of two F-117s flying alongside a tanker aircraft.

Chicks in tow. #f117 #f117nighthawk pic.twitter.com/AVV0iQBT58

— jmh.creates (@JarodMHamilton) April 11, 2025

F-117 was officially retired in 2008 but continues to be used in training exercises, where it simulates low-visibility enemy fighters. It is also employed as a test platform for new technologies.

The aircraft were preserved under Type 1000 storage conditions in Nevada, allowing for future use rather than scrapping.

In 2016–2017, it emerged that the F-117s would continue flying. While the Air Force originally planned to gradually decommission the fleet, it has slowed the process.

In September 2022, the Air Force Test Center issued a request for a potential 10-year contract for maintenance and logistical support, signaling plans to operate the Nighthawks at least until 2032.

In 2024, reports surfaced that the Air Force aimed to certify F-117A Nighthawk for aerial refueling operations using the KC-46A Pegasus tanker.

It remains unclear how many F-117s are still airworthy. As of January 2023, about 45 of the 59 produced were believed to remain in service, with more than 10 cleared for museum transfer.

Disposal has slowed to two or three aircraft per year, down from an initial plan of four per year outlined in 2017.