Massive US Air Force jets spotted flying low over New Zealand – here’s why

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.

Military aircraft spotted in the skies above Albany as international training takes place across New Zealand.

Today, an RNZAF C-130J Hercules joined the two US aircraft for flights across the North Island.

They departed RNZAF Base Auckland and travelled down the east coast to Base Ōhakea in Manawatū, carrying out airdrops at Raumai.

From Ōhakea, they were due to return to Auckland via the west coast.

“Awesome sight,” one social media user from Coromandel said.

“If you could just clip a bit closer to Opito Bay hills tomorrow I’ll be close enough to give the pilots a wave,” they wrote.

“They gave me a hell of a fright when I was going over the flyover at Bayfair this morning. They were very big!” a Tauranga Facebook user wrote.

The RNZAF said the low-level flights would take place between 9am and 3pm.

Aircraft taking part in military training were captured flying above Albany on Wednesday.

A similar flight involving the two aircraft is planned for tomorrow, including further airdrops at Raumai.

On Friday and Saturday, one C-17 is expected to fly at high altitude down the west coast of the South Island, through Milford Sound and Lake Te Anau and over Queenstown.

It will then head north over the Southern Alps and turn west at Nelson before returning to Auckland.

Both C-17s are scheduled to fly from Auckland to Base Ōhakea on Sunday.

The RNZAF said the programme was weather-dependent and could change at short notice.

An Australian C-17 Globemaster aircraft taxis into position. Photo / Australian Defence

What is a C-17 Globemaster?

The C-17 is a four-engine military transport jet designed to carry troops, heavy equipment and supplies over long distances, according to Boeing’s website.

At 53m long with a wingspan of almost 52m, the aircraft can carry nearly 75 tonnes of cargo.

Despite its size, it is designed to operate from short and basic airfields and can be refuelled while airborne.

The aircraft are used for military operations and humanitarian and disaster-relief missions.