NZDF trains with Fighter Jets NZ

Soldiers from the New Zealand Army, Ngāti Tūmatauenga carried out training with Fighter Jets NZ, when their fleet of L-39 jets were used to simulate realistic close air support missions.

One of Fighter Jets NZ’s L-39s | Photo: Noah Stohr-Waldren

The training was a significant first for the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF). Previously, the NZ Army had to travel internationally to train with any close air support. Now, being able to call on local defence contractors - such as the civilian L-39 jets - for this training provides extreme value for personnel.

The aircraft used was an L-39C Albatros jet, ZK-VLK operated by Fighter Jets NZ.

Tauranga-based Fighter Jets NZ was an experienced and professional organisation that can draw on experience from across the aviation industry to support the NZ Army’s training objectives, Lieutenant Colonel Morris said.

The recent training was just east of Taupo and involved soldiers from 16th Field Regiment, where Joint Fires Teams coordinated land, maritime and air attacks.

The Joint Fires Teams, play a crucial role of enabling the NZDF to coordinate and control strikes. They can carry out reconnaissance missions, clear opposing defences.

A senior NZ Army JTAC was aboard the L-39 to provide a military eye in the sky. His role was to bridge the gap between the civilian pilots and what is expected of a military fighter jet pilot.