Australian Air Force has now received 44 of its planned 72 F-35A aircraft
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has now received 44 of the planned 72 F-35A Lightning II aircraft with the finally delivery of three new aircraft from the United States in 2021.
The latest batch of three F-35A aircraft that touched down at RAAF Base Williamtown on November 20 have been accepted by No 77 Squadron after completing a journey from Eglin Air Force Base (AFB) in the United States.
Australian government has ordered 72 F-35A aircraft under the Joint Strike Fighter program. All 72 jets are expected to be fully operational by 2023.
Commanding Officer No. 77 Squadron Wing Commander Tim Ireland described it as an important step for the squadron’s growth. “Our focus in 2021 has been to stand-up an F-35A combat ready team,” Wing Commander Ireland said. “The additional aircraft will help us generate a ready force able to integrate into a high-end all domain fight.”
Before the transit to Australia, No. 77 Squadron took part in an operational test activity called Exercise Lighting Spear 21 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, from November 1 to 5, aimed oat verifying weapons integration. “The F-35A is the seventh fighter that No. 77 Squadron has operated. It’s humbling to be a part of such a significant phase of our proud 79-year history.”
The highly advanced multi-role, supersonic, stealth fighter F-35A Lightning II is the Australian Defence Force’s first fifth-generation air combat capability. The first F-35A aircraft was accepted into Australian service in 2018 to meet country’s requirements to defeat current and emerging threats.
