Next week marks the first time two Royal Australian Air Force F-35A stealth fighter jets will fly over New Zealand.

The aircraft will be stationed at RNZAF Base Ohakea, where they will perform specialized exercises alongside the New Zealand Army and the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb said this historic visit presents a chance for the New Zealand Defence Force to learn from one of the most sophisticated military technology in the world. He mentioned that joint exercises will also permit Australian pilots to set up a Forward Arming and Refueling Point for the first time outside Australia.

On Tuesday, the two jets shall conduct air strikes exercises in the Waiouru Military Training Area under the supervision of ground support teams from the New Zealand military.

After the air-to-ground training maneuvers, the stealth aircraft are expected to perform a series of coordinated aerial intercepts with RNZAF P-8A Poseidon planes. The visiting aircraft are set to carry out their operations before heading back to their bases in Australia on Thursday.

Webb pointed out that these upcoming operations from the two neighboring countries are an outcome of a concerted effort to promote their military cooperation.

He mentioned that one of the key goals in this endeavor is to realize operational readiness by conducting coordinated exercises. Webb emphasized the importance of the stealth jet visit as a step forward along this strategic path.