Arnhem Thunder brings Australia’s newest fighter jets to the Top End

Australia’s F-35A Lightning II fighter jets have roared to life as part of a air force exercise in the Territory.

Australian Top Guns prepare for a mission as one of RAAF's new additions the F-35A Lightning II will be among 50 fighting planes involved in Exercise Arnhem Thunder 21 over the Top End. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The F-35A Lightning II fighter jets have roared to life as part of Exercise Arnhem Thunder.

The jets are the newest high tech aircraft on the block, and will use the Top End airspace to train alongside the Air Force’s other aircraft.

RAAF 3 Squadron Commanding Officer Wing Commander Matthew Harper said the operation was about building up capability.

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3rd Squadron CO Wing Commander Matthew Harper with one RAAF's new additions the F-35A Lightning II will be among 50 fighting planes involved in Exercise Arnhem Thunder 21 over the Top End. Picture: Glenn Campbell

It is the first time the all various aircraft have been able to work together on an exercise.

“The airspace is really large and … I guess it’s an opportunity for us just to really spread out and practice our operations in a contested environment,” he said.

The squadrons will this week conduct their own training before participating in joint missions from next week until the conclusion of the exercise on June 15.