RAAF F-35A Aircraft to Conduct Low-Level Training

30 Januari 2020

RAAF F-35A Lightning II (photo : newcastle airport)

The Department of Defence is advising residents in the Mudgee area that F-35A Lightning II aircraft from RAAF Base Williamtown, near Newcastle will conduct flying training between Friday to Monday, 3-6 February and 10-13 February.

Thirteen F-35A Lightning II aircraft are now based at RAAF Base Williamtown, and are gradually replacing the aging F/A-18A/B Hornet aircraft.

Commander of Air Combat Group, Air Commodore Tim Alsop, said local residents might be surprised to see different fighter jets conducting low flying activities in the area.

Number 3 Squadron attack training will include some low level flying as part of developing air to surface tactics.

"Number 3 Squadron aircrew are all experienced pilots who have been flying the F-35A aircraft in the United States since 2015, and in Australia since their introduction in December 2018," Air Commodore Alsop said.

"Developing skills in low level attacks are an important part of Defence training - and we need to test the F-35A capability as part of verification and validation process for its initial operating capability."

Fighter jets will operate over the ocean well off the Hunter and Great Lakes coasts for 70 per cent of their training.

The remaining 30 per cent of operations are conducted to the west and north of RAAF Base Williamtown and other parts of Australia.

"Air Force is committed to ensuring every effort is made to minimise any inconvenience to residents living in these areas and the ongoing support of local communities is appreciated," Air Commodore Alsop said.

Similar low-altitude training will occur at Merriwa and Tamworth.

(MudgeeGuardian)