Air Combat Group units will resume training into Salt Ash Air Weapons Range (SAAWR) from Tuesday 27 January 2026.

Flying will commence with Number 76 Squadron aircraft operations beginning Tuesday 27 January through to Friday 20 February. Operations are scheduled on weekdays only, between 9am to 5pm.

PC-21 aircraft will conduct intermittent training on SAAWR on an ongoing basis.

There is currently no programmed training scheduled for F-35A Lightning II aircraft on Salt Ash Air Weapons Range.

Residents living in East Medowie, Salt Ash and Lemon Tree Passage can expect the range to be used consistently throughout this period.

Air Force has a responsibility to ensure personnel are ready and able to deploy at short notice, and this involves essential air-to-ground training as practiced at SAAWR.

Every effort will be made to minimise any inconvenience to residents during SAAWR training, the schedule could change at short notice due to weather or operational considerations.

Members of the community seeking further information are invited to call 1800 033 200, or refer to https://www.airforce.gov.au/operations/flying-operations or https://aircraftnoisemap.airforce.gov.au/assets/site.html?806#base/1.

Media Note

Media can access imagery of Hawk Lead-in Fighter aircraft at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20201785

Media can access imagery of Pilatus PC-21 aircraft at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20232026

Media Contact

Defence Media: media@defence.gov.au

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