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Australia Gets Its Last Nine F-35As

Thursday, December 19th, 2024

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Australia Gets Its Last Nine F-35As

Pilots and Executive team at the arrival of the final three F-35A Lightning II aircraft delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force at No 3 Squadron, RAAF Base Williamtown following Exercise Lightning Ferry 24. (Photo: Australia Ministry of Defense)

Australia on Wednesday said it received its last nine of 72 total F-35A aircraft. The Royal Australian Air Force received its first two F-35As in December 2018. The Defense Ministry calls its fleet a “cornerstone of Australia’s air defense and strike capability.” The ministry said the arrival of the last set of aircraft demonstrates an enhancement of the F-35A fleet’s warfighting capability, as they are the first to receive Technology Refresh 3, enabling Block 4 upgrades. The upgrades will support…

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