Overview
- Lufttransportgeschwader 62, led by Oberst Markus Knoll, deployed two A400M transports to New Zealand via the Azores, Hawaii and Fiji for Exercise Tuhono Rangi.
- Crews conducted intensive daily training that included low-level flying to about 300 feet, formation operations, parachute drops, evacuations and simulated threats.
- Knoll piloted one of the aircraft on the long-distance mission and described the training value and morale as exceptional.
- Hosts offered a Maori Haka welcome, enthusiastic civilian applause and a requested low flyover, and German personnel joined an Armistice Day commemoration.
- The A400Ms reported no technical issues between the October 30 departure and December 1 return, and Germany has invited a reciprocal New Zealand air force visit with a decision still pending.