A Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18F Super Hornet has carried out a surprise flyover mission around Tasmania today.
The aircraft was first spotted along the north-west coast at Burnie travelling east towards Devonport around midday on Monday.
It was then seen above Deloraine and later Hobart, flying over the River Derwent.
The unexpected visitor did not appear on flight tracking apps, prompting a flurry of queries on local community groups, with many asking others what they had just heard.
It is understood the aircraft was conducting a routine training mission and would land at Hobart Airport for refuelling before returning to the mainland.
The Air Force operates 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets, which it says “ensure that Australia’s air combat capability edge is maintained”.
The aircraft can carry out air interception, air combat, close air support of ground troops and interception of enemy supply lines, including shipping missions.
