One of the world’s most advanced fighter aircraft will make its first-ever visit to New Zealand this Easter, with the USAF F-22 Raptor confirmed for Warbirds Over Wānaka.

Airshow general manager Ed Taylor said the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team will perform on all three days of the airshow, which runs from April 3-5, and it represents a major coup.

“This is right up there with the biggest acts we’ve ever secured in the 38 years of our event,” Ed said.

Only 183 Raptors have been built since the aircraft entered service in 2005, and at a cost of more than $NZ200M each, it is the only US-built fighter never sold to other countries.

The fifth-generation fighter is widely regarded as the best combat aircraft in the world, combining exceptional stealth with engines that generate more thrust than any other fighter.

One of the Raptor’s standout capabilities is “supercruise” - the ability to fly at supersonic speeds without using afterburners.

The aircraft will be flown at Wānaka by Captain Nick “Laz” Le Tourneau, commander and pilot of the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, which is based at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia.

“This team displays at all the major airshows in the US and at big military airshows around the world,” Ed said.

“To have them come here says a lot about how well regarded the Wānaka show is globally.”

Two Raptors will make the journey to New Zealand and operate out of Christchurch International Airport, and Ed said the airport had gone “above and beyond” to ensure the demo team’s requirements can be met.

Warbirds Over Wānaka will take place at Wānaka Airport over Easter weekend. Tickets are available through Ticketek.

PHOTO: Supplied