17 Globemaster jets fly over New Zealand for military training
Two US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft are conducting low-level training flights across New Zealand as part of an international military exercise. The operation includes airdrops and the transport of RNZAF helicopters, with flights scheduled to continue through the weekend.
Why it matters
The exercise underscores the military cooperation and interoperability between the United States and New Zealand defense forces.
Two US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft fly alongside an RNZAF C-130J Hercules during training over the North Island on Wednesday.
Two massive US Air Force jets are flying over New Zealand as part of an international military training operation.
Kiwis from Tāmaki Makaurau to Bay of Plenty to Central Plateau took to social media today after spotting the pair of four-engine C-17 Globemaster III aircraft soaring above.
The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) said the aircraft were in the country for training, with flights scheduled through to Sunday.
Some flights were planned to travel as low as 150-300m.
A New Zealand Defence Force spokesperson told the Herald the C-17s would return to Hawaii on Sunday carrying two RNZAF NH90 helicopters, which will take part in a US Army exercise.
Today, an RNZAF C-130J Hercules joined the two US aircraft for flights across the North Island.
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