If you see one, we are not under attack.
The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) is hosting five German Air Force (GAF) aircraft which arrived at Woodbourne base, near Blenheim this week, for a fortnight of flight training exercises.
In total, the GAF are bringing three Airbus A400M Atlases, an Airbus A330 wide-body twin jet which will be transporting personnel involved in the exercise, and an Airbus A321 narrow-body twin jet.
As part of the exercises, the RNZAF’s Operations Squadron has deployed to Woodbourne to participate in a range of support combat operations, including security forces with patrol dogs, rescue firefighters, aviation fuel specialists and air movements operators.
RNZAF air component commander Air Commodore Andy Scott said the training activities with the A400M included low-level flying in various areas which may include Otago and Southland, aerial delivery of kit and supplies — to be exercised working with the New Zealand Army, at Waiouru — and parachuting from RNZAF Base Auckland, at Whenuapai.
Air Com Scott said the GAF visit was a unique training opportunity for the trades involved, developing "interoperability" and building the RNZAF’s relationship with a significant Nato country.
"We have worked with the GAF on exercises and in various other activities in the past, but hosting a deployment of this size is a first.
"Clearly, New Zealand made such a good impression on their first visit last year, they wanted to come back and this represents a fantastic opportunity for our teams to build closer working relationships."
He said New Zealand’s Operations Squadron personnel were looking forward to exercising remote operations on a large scale.
He said there would be plenty of opportunities for people in many parts of the country to see the GAF aircraft overhead.
"I suggest keeping an eye on the New Zealand Defence Force website for daily updates on what’s going on."
