Australia’s fleet of F-35A Lightning II aircraft is now complete with the final nine planes arriving this week.
Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, said the delivery of the final aircraft of the 72-strong fleet was a key milestone for the Royal Australian Air Force.
Air Marshal Chappell said the F-35A, in conjunction with the EA-18G Growler and F/A-18F Super Hornets, were the cornerstone of Australia’s air defence and strike capability.
He said as a multi-role fighter, the F-35A could perform air-to-air and air-to-surface missions, and utilise stealth technology, electronic protection, electronic attack and advanced countermeasures to maximise lethality and survivability.
“Defence has undertaken the rapid introduction of this important capability since the first two F-35A Lightning II aircraft arrived in Australia on December 10, 2018.
“The arrival of the final nine aircraft also demonstrates an enhancement of the warfighting capability of Australia’s F-35A fleet, with these aircraft the first in the fleet to receive Technology Refresh 3, enabling Block 4 upgrades that will support the new and enhanced capabilities required to meet the evolving threats of the future.”
Air Marshal Chappell said the Australian defence industry had been integral to the introduction of the F-35A, with more than 75 Australian companies having shared in over $4.8 billion in contracts to support production, sustainment and follow-on development.
