Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Townsville will host Exercise Black Dagger 25-2 from 27 October to 7 November 2025.

The exercise will involve increased RAAF aircraft activity around Townsville, along with live-fire operations at the Townsville Field Training Area, commencing from 27 October.

Participating aircraft include:

  • F-35A Lightning II from No. 77 Squadron
  • PC-21 training aircraft from No. 4 Squadron

Defence greatly appreciates the ongoing support and understanding of local communities during these activities.

Media Note 

Phone interviews are available with the Commanding Officer of No 4 Squadron, Wing Commander Steven Duffy, to discuss the upcoming period of increased air activity for Townsville.

All low-level flying activities are conducted within strict safety and operational guidelines.

Flying is subject to change due to variables such as air traffic control requirements, weather, and other aviation considerations.

Noise reduction and the environment are vital considerations in the planning and conduct of military flying.

Media can access imagery and further information for both aircraft at the following links: 

F-35-A Lightning II 

https://www.airforce.gov.au/aircraft/f-35a-lightning-ii 

PC-21 

https://www.airforce.gov.au/aircraft/pilatus-pc-21 

Media Contacts

Defence Media: media@defence.gov.au

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

Flying schedule

  • Flying will be conducted on weekdays with short night flying windows.