Our relationship with the A-4 Skyhawk goes back many years. The first encounter came in 2016, during our initial cooperation with Discovery Air, the former name of Top Aces. Seeing the Skyhawk flying air-to-air over Europe felt like a once-in-a-lifetime privilege, and at the time we were convinced it would be the last opportunity to photograph this legendary jet in European skies.

Then came 2018—and another unexpected chance. Two A-4 Skyhawks joined the Skyvan photoship once again, delivering an unforgettable session that we savoured as if it truly were the end of the line. When the Skyhawk returned yet again in 2022 on its transit to RIAT, cameras went into overdrive. The aircraft’s timeless design and rarity made it an instant favourite, and thousands of images later, we still found ourselves saying, “surely this was the last time.”

With our cooperation with Top Aces expanding in the United States, the approval in June for yet another Skyhawk photomission felt almost unreal. As always, the Skyvan was filled with eager photographers, fully aware that every flight could be the final one. This time, the A-4 would be joined by the Alpha Jet, newly returned to Europe for Red Air duties—adding an exciting new dimension to the day.

Before the main event, the German Navy delivered two very special opportunities. First came what truly was a final farewell: one of the last flying Sea King helicopters, presented in special markings and flown in cooperative conditions that could not have been better. After landing, the Sea King returned to give the photographers an impromptu private airshow—an emotional send-off before its inevitable transition to museum status. The German Navy also supported a photomission with their P-3 Orion, another aircraft approaching the end of its service life as crews transition toward the P-8 Poseidon, sparking ambitions for a future two-ship pairing.

The heart of the project—fittingly named the “Top Aces Day”—delivered exactly what we hoped for. In ideal weather and against a stunning backdrop, the A-4 Skyhawk joined up precisely on time for a long, dynamic sequence of manoeuvres. It was later joined by the pitch-black Alpha Jet, creating a striking contrast that challenged photographers and rewarded patience. After the two-ship work, the Alpha Jet stayed on for extended solo passes, flown with exceptional precision by Top Aces pilots who truly excel at playing the adversary. This time, we will not say it was the Skyhawk’s final appearance. Experience has taught us better—and we remain quietly confident that the A-4 and Alpha Jet will grace European skies for us once again.