All 72 RAAF F-35s now delivered

The delivery of the final nine of Australia’s fleet of 72 F-35A Lightning II aircraft that occurred earlier in December was formally announced today by Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy, who tried to claim maximum political points for an expedited delivery schedule.

FILE PHOTO: One of the first two Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning Joint Strike Fighters flies overhead RAAF Base Williamtown on delivery day (10 December 2018). Photo by Brian Hartigan.

The first two F-35A Lightning II aircraft arrived in Australia on 10 December 2018.

Minister Conroy said the F-35A aircraft fleet, in conjunction with the EA-18G Growler and F/A-18F Super Hornets, were the cornerstone of Australia’s air-defence and strike capability.

“As a multi-role fighter, the F-35A can perform air-to-air and air-to-surface missions, and use stealth technology, electronic protection, electronic attack and advanced countermeasures to maximise lethality and survivability,” he said.

“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 new and enhanced capabilities required to meet evolving threats.

It has been reported elsewhere that the Albanese Government has ruled out expanding the F-35 fleet to 100 aircraft, as the Royal Australian Air Force said it want

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