German Air Force to visit New Zealand for training

From later this week, The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) will host several German Air Force (GAF) aircraft across New Zealand and working alongside the aircraft while they visit for fight training.

A GAF A400M at the Avalon Airshow earlier this year | Photo: Noah Stohr-Waldren

Throughout the deployment, the GAF will send five total aircraft to New Zealand, the Airbus aircraft - three A400Ms, an A330 to transport personnel and an A321 will be conducting flying based at RNZAF Base Woodbourne (Blenheim).

The RNZAF will also send its Operations Squadron to Woodbourne to carry out key capabilities during the exercise.

The aircraft will carry out training across the country including; low-level flying in various areas, aerial delivery of equipment at Waiouru, and parachuting, from RNZAF Base Auckland (Whenuapai).

Air Component Commander Air Commodore Andy Scott said that the GAF visit was a unique training opportunity for the trades involved. “It’s a pleasure to welcome our international colleagues to New Zealand. We have worked with the GAF on exercises and in various other activities in the past, but hosting a deployment of this size is a first.

“Clearly New Zealand made such a good impression on their first visit last year they wanted to come back and this represents a fantastic opportunity for our teams to build closer working relationships.”

Air Commodore Scott said there would be plenty of opportunities for people in many parts of the country to see the GAF aircraft overhead.

“I suggest keeping an eye on the New Zealand Defence Force website for daily updates on what’s going on,” he said.