They’re coming back: F-35s in Top End Rogue Ambush

F-35A Lightning II aircraft are heading back to Darwin and Katherine to complete the final phase of their training over the Top End.

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THE F-35s are heading back to Darwin and Katherine.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) top guns converting to the F-35A Lightning II aircraft are going to complete the final phase of their training over the Top End.

The jets are the newest hi-tech aircraft on the block.

Usually conducted in the US, it will be the first time the operational conversion course has been run in Australia by Australian pilots.

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Exercise Rogue Ambush will light up our skies from June 15 until July 2

Approximately 300 personnel and 30 aircraft from the RAAF will deploy to the Darwin and Tindal bases to take part in Exercise Rogue Ambush.

The aircraft will conduct a wide range of tactical flying activities across the Northern Territory, using the Tindal restricted airspace and Delamere Air Weapons Range.

Aircraft including F-35A Lightning II, E-7A Wedgetail and KC-30 Multi-Role Tanker Transport will be operating from RAAF Base Darwin.

F-35A Lightning II fighters pictured over Darwin and Katherine in the Northern Territory. Picture: supplied by Australia Defence

Aircraft including F/A-18A/B Hornet and Hawk 127 lead-in fighter will be operating from RAAF Base Tindal as part of the exercise.

Aircraft will operate week days only during routine flying hours.

All Australian Defence Force personnel are required to adhere to state and territory government travel restrictions and health advice.

A range of Covid-19 risk mitigation measures will be in place for this exercise.

The return of the F-35A Lightning II aircraft will come less than two weeks after they roared to life as part of a air force Operation Arnhem Thunder 21 exercise.

The recent exercise marked not only the first time an F-35A Lightning II had touched down at RAAF bases Darwin and Tindal but also the first time Australian F-35As have carried a full load of external bombs.

It was also the first deployment of F-35s in Australia and first time all the various aircraft had been able to work together on an exercise.

The Exercise Rogue Ambush training is certain to be a big attraction for jet spotters who gather at every vantage point to watch the spectacular takeoffs and touch downs.