RNZAF, Australian and US C-130J Hercules crews train together in South Island exercise

The aircraft will be flying across the upper South Island, as Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) crews train alongside Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and United States Air Force (USAF) counterparts during Exercise Mobility Astra 2026.

The 10-day exercise, which began on Monday at Marlborough’s RNZAF Base Woodbourne, brings together C-130J Hercules aircraft and crews from all three nations to conduct scenario-based training focused on low-level navigation and targeted load drops.

Working as a combined force, crews plan and execute missions to deliver cargo accurately onto designated drop zones, often within tight timeframes and confined landing areas. 

Success relies on close coordination between pilots, loadmasters and ground teams, where timing, communication and precision are critical.

Detachment Commander, Squadron Leader Adam Palmer, said the exercise provided valuable opportunities to strengthen how crews operate together.

“Training alongside RAAF and USAF partners, all operating the same aircraft, allows our crews to align procedures, share expertise, and work together to achieve different mission sets confidently when required."

Operating from Base Woodbourne introduced a different training environment, with terrain, weather and unfamiliar airspace adding complexity to each mission.

“The complex terrain surrounding Woodbourne presents crews with challenges they must overcome during mission planning, and we’ve had great support from local landowners to use their properties as drop zones,” Squadron Leader Palmer said.

For those involved, the exercise reflects the realities of operational flying, where crews must make decisions quickly while working closely as a team. 

“As detachment commander, what stands out is the high level of skill and professionalism of personnel from across the wider New Zealand Defence Force supporting Mobility Astra to deliver high-tempo flying operations from a deployed location,” he said.

“Mobility Astra allows everyone deployed to refine their skills and test their readiness to ensure we respond immediately and effectively when called upon.”