RNZAF Base Ohakea to host first ever fifth-gen fighter jets in NZ
Next week, Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Base Ohakea will host the first ever visit of any fifth-generation fighter jets to New Zealand when the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) brings two F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter jets to New Zealand for Exercise Agile Tasman.
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) posted a community alert saying they will be conducting an exercise from 7-11 September between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm with the RAAF.
A RAAF C-130J Hercules and two F-35A Lightning II aircraft will be conducting low-level tactical flying at approximately 250ft above ground level. The aircraft will be training in skies over the Manawatū-Whanganui, Hawke’s Bay, Canterbury and Marlborough regions.
The F-35 specifically will be flying low level and tactically in the lower North Island and upper South Island area over 8-10 September.
The NZDF has asked that all members of the public wishing to view the aircraft at RNZAF Base Ohakea are to do so safely from the Baileys Road and Fagans Road areas outside Base Ohakea.
They also advised that the F-35As are extremely loud, particularly during take-off, landing, and ground operations. So, visitors are strongly encouraged to use appropriate hearing protection.
Two RAAF F-35A stealth fighter jets will take part in joint exercises with the NZ Army and Royal New Zealand Air Force in New Zealand next week | Photo: Noah Stohr-Waldren
On Tuesday 8 September the two F-35As will practise jet attacks in the Waiouru Military Training Area, coordinated by New Zealand Army teams on the ground. The jets will then be involved in rehearsed interceptions with RNZAF P-8A Poseidon aircraft, before they return to Australia on Thursday.
Chief of Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb says the visit is to conduct joint exercises with the New Zealand Army and the RNZAF.
“This is an exciting opportunity for the New Zealand Defence Force to work in concert with some of the most advanced warfighting technology in the world,” he said.
“The exercises include the RAAF establishing an overseas Forward Arming and Refuelling Point (FARP) for the first time outside Australia.” Previously when demonstrating FARPs, the RAAF has utilised C-17A Globemaster's from 36 Squadron RAAF to conduct the serials.
Squadron Leader Alex Moulds from 88 Squadron RAAF, said exercising the FARP capability was a great example of the Royal Australian Air Force’s preparedness and readiness to respond in crisis or conflict. “It’s a great example of how we can use austere and unsupported airfields to get our air combat assets back into the fight.”
Air Vice-Marshal Webb said that the exercise reflected the commitment of the two Air Forces to build joint operational strength in support of regional security and global stability.
“One of the key objectives we have set in working together is to enhance our operational readiness by conducting combined exercises which develop shared combat capability.
“This exercise is an important step forward on that path,” he said.