The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) will display its new F-35A Lightning II fighter jet in New Zealand for the first time at next Easter’s Warbirds Over Wānaka International Airshow (WOW), in a “major coup” for the airshow.

The Australians are one of several air forces formally invited to be part of the airshow, which this year is marking the 85th anniversary of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF).

RAAF acting chief of Air Force vice-marshal Stephen Meredith said the Wānaka airshow is an “excellent opportunity for RAAF to be represented in New Zealand and at the same time to be part of the RNZAF celebrations”.   

Along with the F-35A display the RAAF will also have a C-130J Hercules on static display at WOW.

WOW general manager Ed Taylor said having the F-35A is “huge” for the airshow.

“Modern fast jets are always very popular with our crowds and follow past displays from the F/A-18A/B Hornets also out of Australia and the USAF F-16 Fighting Falcons,” Ed said, “but it’s more than these impressive Aussie aircraft that will be on show next Easter. 

“Warbirds Over Wanaka is the perfect event at which to reflect on the very close and deepening bond shared by both RNZAF and the RAAF.”

Ed says having the C-130J on display will be a great opportunity for New Zealanders to have a look through this impressive transport aircraft, Covid-19 restrictions permitting.  

The RNZAF has ordered five of these aircraft to replace the current C-130H Hercules.

“We warmly welcome RAAF’s involvement in April 2022, that we know will only heighten the excitement for visitors to Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow,” Ed said.

WOW has confirmed other exciting acts for the 2022 airshow in recent months, including: the opportunity to see a P-40 Kittyhawk firing its six .50 calibre machine guns up close; jet racing, featuring high-performance jet aircraft racing around a tight aerial race-course marked by large inflatable pylons on the ground; and a historic restored Catalina plane. 

The airshow is being held at Wānaka Airport next Easter (April 15-17). Find more information here.

PHOTO: RAAF