German Air Force joins NZ Defence in major exercise

Herald visual journalist Michael Craig was invited aboard a Luftwaffe (German Air Force) A400M heavy-lift plane for an exercise flying out from the RNZAF Whenuapai airbase.

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - NOVEMBER 13:
The Luftwaffe is conducting a two-week training exercise, Operation Tuhono Rangi, with the Royal New Zealand Air Force to enhance interoperability. On board the German Air Force A400M.
November 143 , 2025.
Herald photograph by Michael Craig

Image 1 of 26: AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - NOVEMBER 13: The Luftwaffe is conducting a two-week training exercise, Operation Tuhono Rangi, with the Royal New Zealand Air Force to enhance interoperability. On board the German Air Force A400M. November 143 , 2025. Herald photograph by Michael Craig