In aerial displays or footage capturing a formation of Eurofighter Typhoon fighters, differences in the colors of lights beneath the aircraft can sometimes puzzle observers. Specifically, the fact that five jets show red lights while the last one displays a green light does not indicate any variation in configuration or function, but rather relates to viewing angle and standard aviation lighting conventions.

According to international standards, aircraft are equipped with navigation lights to indicate their orientation in flight. A red light is always installed on the left wing (port side), while a green light is placed on the right wing (starboard side), and a white light is typically positioned at the rear. This system allows pilots and air traffic controllers to determine an aircraft’s direction, especially in low-visibility conditions.

In a formation, if most aircraft appear to show red lights, it suggests that the observer is viewing their left side. The final aircraft showing a green light is likely slightly offset from the formation or angled differently, making its right side more visible.

Small variations in position, altitude, or banking angle within a formation can significantly affect what an observer sees, even though all aircraft use the same standard lighting system.