30 March 2025
Spectators at the Australian International Airshow were treated to a rare glimpse of fifth-generation fighter jets in action, enjoying flying displays both from a United States Air Force F-22 Raptor and the Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning II.
Captain Nick ‘Laz’ Le Tourneau, commander and pilot of the F-22 Raptor Aerial Demonstration Team, said that he was really glad to be in Australia and to fly the F-22 at the airshow.
“It’s great to demonstrate not just the capability of the jet, but the interoperability between the United States and Australia, why we are such good partners, and what we can achieve working together,” Captain Le Tourneau said.
“For me, the team comes first. We only take 10 people on the road with us at a time, so the support we receive from our Australian friends when we’re here is incredibly important.
“This jet, just like any jet, takes a village to get airborne, and everyone supporting us plays a crucial role, from maintainers, right through to the planners who make the displays at events like this possible.”
Among the spectators, Squadron Leader Paul ‘Ando’ Anderton, an F-35A Lightning pilot from the RAAF's 2 Operational Conversion Unit, said it was always good to welcome the F-22 Raptor back to Australia.
'This jet, just like any jet, takes a village to get airborne, and everyone supporting us plays a crucial role.'
“Seeing the F-22 brings a tear to my eye," Squadron Leader Anderton said. "I was fortunate enough back in 2017 to be selected for an exchange program with the United States Air Force and took my family over to Anchorage, Alaska, for three years.
"There I trained on the F-22 and flew with the 90th Fighter Squadron, learning initially and then teaching tactics on the Raptor for the US Air Force. It was a dream come true.”
Squadron Leader Anderton said that the F-22 participating in the Australian International Airshow showcased the integration between the RAAF and the US Air Force as our strongest and probably longest ally, providing air dominance and air security for global stability.
“I think it really shows how important the relationship is between the United States and Australia, in that they are willing and keen at every opportunity to bring their premier air dominance fighter, the F-22 to Australia,” he said.
Having flown both the F-22 and F-35A, Squadron Leader Anderton had a unique perspective on the differences and similarities between the two aircraft.
“In my opinion, the two jets are built for two different mission sets," he said.
"The F-22 is the most lethal aircraft for air dominance and the F-35A is a superb out-of-surface platform, capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Both aircraft do both roles, but are optimised for different purposes. And both the F-22 and F-35 are leading-edge aircraft.”
