The Royal Australian Air Force will be conducting fast jet training at the Evans Head Air Weapons Range (EVDAWR), located south of Evans Head township on the north coast of New South Wales, from April to June 2025.

The training will involve F-35A Lightning II, F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft from RAAF Base Williamtown and RAAF Base Amberley and will allow aircrew to complete initial and currency weapons training.

F-35A Lightning II aircraft from Number 2 Operational Conversion Unit at RAAF Base Williamtown are scheduled to operate on the range from 4-9 April and 16-21 June.

F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft from Number 1 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley are scheduled to operate on the range from 12-16 May, 28-30 May and 2-6 June.

EA-18G Growler aircraft from Number 6 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley are scheduled to operate on the range from 16-21 and 23-27 June.

Training is scheduled to take place during daylight hours on weekdays but is subject to change due to weather or other operational considerations.

Flying will normally involve two waves per day in application pattern, and will include live gunnery. The training may also include the use of lasers. Defence personnel will display red flags to indicate live-firing activities, and will conduct patrols for public safety.

Commander Air Combat Group, Air Commodore Peter Robinson, thanked the Evans Head community for their understanding and support of critical training activities.

“Air Force appreciates the long-standing support from the local community while aircrew complete this important training,” Air Commodore Robinson said.

The Evans Head Air Weapons Range covers both land and overwater areas. The public are reminded that access to the range land areas remains restricted at all times, and not just while flying activities are occurring. This restriction is a safety measure due to the possibility of unexploded ordnance remaining at the site. The overwater area will be closed from 10am to 5pm during all operations except where specifically indicated.

The Evans Head Air Weapons Range Community Advisory Panel has been advised of these activities.

For further information, please refer to the Air Force Operations website on www.airforce.gov.au/operations/flying-operations/flying-activity.

A copy of the EVDAWR Defence Practice Area map is available on the Defence website at Frequent flying schedules | Air Force.