Ohakea to host Australian F-35A jets on joint training visit

Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Base Ohakea will host the first visit to New Zealand by Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter jets next week.

04 September, 2026

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.”

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.

A Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning

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.