Yes, it is indeed possible for two fighter jets from different countries to fly next to each other, and in rare instances, pilots may even wave to each other. However, while this may seem like a moment of camaraderie, there are several important factors that determine when and how such an interaction could occur.
Firstly, military aircraft from different countries typically do not operate near each other unless there is a specific reason, such as joint exercises, training missions, or coordinated operations. During these activities, pilots from different nations may fly in close formation as part of cooperation between allied forces. In such scenarios, the pilots are generally in a controlled environment where communication and rules of engagement are well-defined.
The act of waving from one fighter jet to another would generally be a rare and lighthearted gesture. Fighter pilots are trained to remain focused on their mission and the complex flying tasks involved in high-speed maneuvers, which leaves little room for informal gestures in regular combat or operational settings. However, during peacetime or in specific non-combat situations, such as air shows or training exercises, pilots may have moments of levity or goodwill and might wave to one another, especially if the planes are operating in a safe, non-threatening environment.
In instances where fighter jets are not participating in joint exercises and are flying near each other—such as during border patrols or on opposing sides of a conflict—pilots would maintain strict focus on their operational roles, and any interaction like waving would be extremely unlikely. Additionally, military aircraft are equipped with communication systems like radios, which allow pilots to talk to each other in emergencies or to coordinate actions, but non-verbal communication, like waving, is not a standard part of military protocol.
In summary, while it is technically possible for fighter pilots to wave at each other, such a gesture would typically occur in non-combat, friendly, or cooperative scenarios rather than during hostile or operational missions.