RAAF outlines Salt Ash Air Weapons Range flying program July to December 2023

Hawk Lead-In Fighter aircraft from RAAF Base Williamtown will return to the Salt Ash Air Weapons Range (SAAWR) to conduct fast jet pilot training from Monday 31 July 2023.

Number 76 Squadron have scheduled three weeks of airborne training on the range, beginning on Monday 31 July through to Friday 18 August. Flying operations are scheduled on weekdays only, from 9am to 5pm.

Commander Air Combat Group, Air Commodore (AIRCDRE) Peter Robinson, said residents living in East Medowie, Salt Ash and Lemon Tree Passage could expect the range to be used consistently throughout this period.

“PC 21 aircraft also operate intermittently on the range in support of Number Four Squadron’s Combat Control and Joint Terminal Attack Controller training,’’ he said.

“F-35A Lightning II aircraft are not programed to use the range however Air Combat Group will advise if the program changes.

“Air Force has a responsibility to ensure personnel are ready and able to deploy at short notice and this involves necessary air to ground training that is employed at the range

 “Once proficiency has been attained, the squadrons move onto the next stage of their course,’’ he said.

AIRCDRE Robinson said every effort was made to minimise inconvenience to residents during SAAWR training noting the range schedule could change at short notice due to weather or operational considerations.

Further information about the Hawk 127 lead-in fighter can be found on our Hawk 127 Page.

Imagery of the Hawk 127 lead-in fighter is available on the Defence Image Gallery.

For more information, visit the Defence Aircraft Noise website or call 1300 DEFENCE (1300 333 362).