F-35A jets in first time Far North training sortie from Tindal

Aviation enthusiasts are bracing for the roar of hi-tech fighter jets over Cairns during today’s first-ever Far North F-35A training sortie. Where to see the jets take off and land.

Aviation enthusiasts are bracing for the roar of hi-tech fighter jets over Cairns during the first-ever Far North F-35A training sortie.

Two Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning II jets will undertake low-level flying in the Cairns area before touching down at the Cairns Airport to refuel.

The two fifth generation jet fighters will depart the Tindal RAAF base in the Northern Territory before flying over Far North skies between 10.30am and 3pm.

Aviation enthusiast and Down Under Aviation News contributor Jonathan Williams said unlike a public meet and greet event at the Cairns Airport in December last year, this time the planes will conduct a low-level training sortie only and the aircraft won’t visit the general aviation section of the airport.

In December last year the Royal Australian Air Force flew a Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II strike fighter jet to Cairns which was the first time one of the air force's fifth generation fighter jets has visited Far North Queensland. Picture: Brendan Radke

“This is the first time we have seen them pass through Cairns as a part of a training exercise,” he said.

“We don’t often see them come out here training and they are looking to strengthen the north, it is interesting to see.

“It’s not an official public event, but we have noticed they will be doing a refuel and rest stop.”

Wing Commander Phil Eldridge, air force cadet instructor Oliver Roper and Group Captain Stewart Dowrie in front of the F-35 Lightning II at the Cairns International Airport last year. Picture: Brendan Radke

In 2023 a Defence Strategic Review recommended the bolstering of investment in Northern Territory and Queensland military bases in what was coined a “hardening” of the North.

Based on current wind conditions it’s understood the $100m Lockheed Martin jets will approach the airport from the north and before taking off to the south.

“(The RAAF) let people know to make sure (the planes) don’t scare the community and they get a bit of a promotion out of it,” Mr Williams

“You will see them in the distance but they will be tucked away at the international terminal.”

The plane-spotting shelter above the Aeroglen dog park will give an ideal vantage point for enthusiasts and plane photographers, assuming the aircraft takeoff to the south.

Arrival of the jets are subject to operational commitments but the planes are expected from 10.30am.

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Originally published as F-35A jets in first time Far North training sortie from Tindal