Australian Government has approved the acquisition of an additional 58 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters, bringing the tot...
The $11.5 billion acquisition includes the cost of associated facilities, weapons and training.
First F-35 will arrive in Australia in 2018, with Number 3 Squadron operational by 2021. All 72 aircrafts are expected to be operational by 2023.
This fleet will constitute three operational squadrons – two at RAAF Base Williamtown and one at RAAF Base Tindal - and a training squadron at RAAF Base Williamtown.
The fifth generation radar evading F-35 will provide a major boost to the Australian intelligence, surveillance and combat capabilities and will help maintain the regional air combat edge.
The F-35 will replace RAAF fleet of 71 Boeing F/A-18A/B Classic Hornet fighter jets, which over three decades, has been the backbone of Australia’s air combat capability. The older Classic Hornet fleet will be phased out from service by 2022.
The F-35As would be complemented by the RAAF’s 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets and 12 EA-18G Growlers.
Government also said it may consider an option to acquire an additional fourth squadron of F-35 to replace the F-18 Super Hornets in future at RAAF Base Amberley.
Around A$1.6 billion will be invested in new facilities and infrastructure that will be constructed, including at RAAF Base Williamtown in New South Wales and RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory.
Australia earlier ordered 14 F-35A conventional take-off and landing variant.
