Warbirds set to soar over Scone in 2026

Get your tickets for the largest Warbird Airshow in the southern hemisphere.

Article and photos by Ryan Imeson

The skies of the Upper Hunter Shire will come alive later this month at Warbirds Over Scone, in what is widely tipped to be the largest warbird airshow ever held in Australia.

An incredible number of Spitfires, Mustangs, Kittyhawks and so much more will converge on Scone Airfield in New South Wales on March 28-29 for the biggest gathering of warbirds since the second World War.

Paul Bennet Airshows, Pays Aviation and Hunter Warbirds have taken on the running of this years airshow, with a huge number of aircraft from these three organisations set to take to the skies as part of the almost 6-hour long flying display.

Up to five Spitfires will be flying at Warbirds Over Scone, with Australia’s first two-seat example to make its public debut at the show.

Spitfire BS548 will become the only two-seat Spitfire operating in the southern hemisphere, with the aircraft set to arrive in Australia via cargo ship from the UK any day now.

Warbirds Over Scone will see up to six P-51/CAC Mustangs get airborne, with at least two more to take part in the show as static displays. This will be the largest gathering of Mustangs in Australia since The Great Mustang Round Up took place at the Tyabb Airshow back in 2004.

If P-40 Kittyhawks are your preferred warbird, as they are the authors, then up to four of these aircraft participating will be a real highlight. Only once since WWII have four P-40’s been seen in the air together over Australian skies.

 

Also appearing at this years airshow is a genuine veteran of the Battle of Okinawa. It is indeed the Corsair F4U-1D, of which it is the only 1D variant flying in the world.

One of the more popular aircraft on the Australian airshow circuit in the last few years has been the Hawker Sea Fury FB11, flown in the capable hands of Paul Bennet. It will be making its second appearance at Warbirds Over Scone, following its debut back in 2024.

The Sea Fury is currently a resident at the Hunter Warbirds museum, which houses the Hunter Fighter collection on location at Scone Airfield.

Hunter Warbirds will have a number of their aircraft out for static display as part of the airshow. These include the MiG 17F, Hawker Hunter, Mirage IIIO, Macchi MB-326 and a Messerschmitt BF109G replica.

 

An aircraft making its Warbirds Over Scone debut will be the DeHavilland Vampire. Owned and operated by Paul Bennet Airshows, the Vampire is currently the only example flying in Australia, and will no doubt be a highlight to many.

If all this isn’t enough, the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society from Albion Park in NSW will be sending their Grumman Tracker up to participate in the flying display.

 

It’s not all about V12’s and radials at Warbirds Over Scone, with a number of aerobatic and firebombing displays taking place.

Once again, the Paul Bennet Airshows ‘Sky Aces’ will take centre stage for an incredible formation aerobatic display, as well as solo displays from the team in the Wolf Pitts Pro, the Edge 540 and the Wolf Pitts 360.

 

The Fireboss AT-802 and the Transall C-160 are set to perform firebombing demonstrations at Warbirds Over Scone, with Scone being an airfield famously known for its firebombing connections. It is the home of Pays Air Service, one of Australia’s leading providers of fixed-wing aerial firefighting support.

Historically, the Royal Australian Air Force have generously supported this event with aircraft and flying displays in the past, and it is hoped that this year will be no different. The F-35A Lightning II and the Roulettes will hopefully create plenty of noise over the weekend.

 

Patrons attending Warbirds Over Scone can also expect to see a BAC Strikemaster, a Lockheed Hudson, the only three Wirraways flying in the world, and the PC-9/A all take to the skies, along with a large list of other vintage and historic aircraft, some of which can be seen in the images below.

With a wealth of activities on the ground, there will no doubt be something for the entire family. Street food, car displays and amusement rides are just some of the things on offer at Warbirds Over Scone.

Tickets are selling fast, so head to warbirdsoverscone.com.au for yours, and to obtain further information on what will be an unforgettable weekend.