Fast jet aircraft conducting navigation exercises around Victoria during Australian International Air Show 2025

Fast jet aircraft from Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Bases Williamtown and Amberley will conduct navigation exercises around Victoria as part of their commitment to the Australian International Air Show this week.

Media Note

RAAF squadrons are taking the opportunity to conduct navigation exercises as well as overflying regional towns and areas in Victoria whilst participating in the Australian International Air Show held at Avalon Airport during the week. 

Flying is subject to change due to variables such as air traffic control requirements, weather, and other aviation considerations.

Noise reduction and the environment are vital considerations in the planning and conduct of military flying.

Wednesday 26 March 2025

• 2 x 2OCU F-35A Lightning II aircraft will land at RAAF Base East Sale from 10:30am; departing mid-afternoon approximately 3:30pm as part of a motivational recruitment visit for trainee aviators
   
• 2 x 1SQN F/A-18F Super Hornets will depart from Avalon Airport at 9:30am and conduct a high level transit to Warrnambool, then transit east along the Great Ocean Road to Wilsons Promontory before landing at RAAF Base East Sale.  The visit will form part of a motivational recruitment visit for trainee aviators.  Aircraft to depart mid-afternoon approximately 3:00pm. 

Thursday 27 March 2025

• 2 x 2OCU F-35A Lightning II aircraft plan to conduct a navigation training mission from Avalon Airport via Mildura. The aircraft will conduct standard circuits at Mildura Airport at approximately 2:10pm and overfly Birchip and Birchip School around 2:30pm before returning to Avalon Airport.

History: 2OCU has long-standing links with the Mildura community. The Federal Government purchased the land where the Mildura Airport is located, to be the first location of Number 2 Operational Training Unit in 1942. On 14 May 1942, the new unit was assigned five P40 Kittyhawk aircraft. In February 1946, the unit closed at Mildura and was later reformed as 2OCU based out of RAAF Base Williamtown.

Further information about the F-35A Lightning II and F/A-18F Super Hornet can be found at 

F-35A Lightning II | Royal Australian Air Force; F/A-18F Super Hornet | Air Force

Imagery of the F-35A Lightning II is available at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20221129; http://images.defence.gov.au/AIA250012

Media Contacts

Anna-Marie Kendrick - 0428 394 935
Defence Media - media@defence.gov.au

For more information, visit the Defence Aircraft Noise website or call 1300 DEFENCE (1300 333 362).