Fighter jets from the Royal Australian Air Force are conducting navigation exercises around Tasmania this week, causing bursts of loud noises in the state’s skies.
Up to four F-35A Lightning II aircraft from Number 77 Squadron at Williamtown near Newcastle are involved in the training from March 24 to March 26.
The jets will not be landing at any Tasmanian airports.
The squadron is participating in multiple different training scenarios for junior aircrew and are taking the opportunity to conduct navigation exercises and tactical missions while in southern Australia.
“Noise reduction and the environment are vital considerations in the planning and conduct of military flying.”
The F-35A Lightning II is the Australian Defence Force’s first fifth-generation air combat capability.
It is a highly advanced multi-role, supersonic, stealth fighter which meets Australia’s requirements to defeat current and emerging threats.
The F-35A is at the forefront of air combat technology. Advanced sensors and data fusion allow it to gather and share information faster than ever before.
Capable of supersonic flight while retaining stealth, the F-35A has extraordinary acceleration, agility and 9G manoeuvrability.
It also provides its pilots with significantly higher levels of lethality and survivability in combat.
Australia has committed to 72 F-35A aircraft for three operational squadrons at RAAF Bases Williamtown and Tindal and a training squadron at RAAF Base Williamtown.
