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Australia’s F-35A multi-role fighter fleet is now complete with the arrival of the final nine aircraft.
The planes landed at RAAF Base Williamtown between November and December as part of Operation Lightning Ferry, bringing the Air Force’s total F-35A contingent to 72.
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According to Defence, they are, alongside the EA-18G Growler and F/A-18F Super Hornets, “the cornerstone of Australia’s air defence and strike capability, as outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy”.
“As a multi-role fighter, the F-35A can 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 said in a press release.
The first two F-35As arrived in Australia on 10 December 2018, and these final nine are the first to receive the Technology Refresh-3 package, which includes additional munitions capabilities, target recognition, jamming, cyber security, sensor and user interface improvements, processing and data storage enhancements.
“The delivery of the final F-35A Lightning II aircraft is a practical demonstration of the Air Force’s ability to deliver highly effective air power as part of an integrated and focused force, in line with the National Defence Strategy,” said the Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell.
“Australians should be proud that our Air Force is flying the most advanced multi-role fighter in the world.
“Australian defence industry has been integral to the successful 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, including as part of the F-35 global supply chain.”
Lockheed Martin chairman, president, and chief executive officer Jim Taiclet said in February that taking extra time to deliver the aircraft was “absolutely worth it” in order to get the TR3 package right.
“The step-function technological advances of TR3 will provide our customers with the onboard digital infrastructure of data storage, data processing, and pilot user interface to provide unmatched capabilities for many years to come.
“These include increased types of capability for air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions; advanced sensing, jamming, and cybersecurity capabilities; and more accurate target recognition.”
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