Australia receives more F-35s as Classic Hornets are withdrawn
The F-35A is the future of the RAAF, whereas the Classic Hornet is now a thing of the past. (Roy Choo)
Australia received more F-35As in November, just as the RAAF farewelled its F/A-18A/B fleet.
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) brought home a further three F-35A fighters on 20 November, the last delivery scheduled for the year. These aircraft bring the in-country fleet to 44.
The latest arrivals come three years after the initial pair was ferried home in December 2018, with all deliveries made to RAAF Base Williamtown, where the type is operated by No. 3 and 77 Squadrons, as well as 2 Operational Conversion Unit.
No. 75 Squadron, based at Tindal, will be the next and final unit to convert to the F-35 when it accepts the first aircraft on 2 December.
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![DSEI 2025: The fighter market shift to Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T)]()
DSEI 2025: The fighter market shift to Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T)
Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capabilities is set to become a market differentiator for fighter aircraft, allowing 4.5-5th generation platforms to remain relevant to the battlefield.
-
![Project Kuiper’s LEO network pioneers Space-as-a-Service]()
Project Kuiper’s LEO network pioneers Space-as-a-Service
The Kuiper Network enables organizations to buy, rather than build, applications that serve mission needs at mission speed.
-
![DSEI 2025: Helsing and Systematic join forces to revolutionise drone recce-strike missions]()
DSEI 2025: Helsing and Systematic join forces to revolutionise drone recce-strike missions
The partnership will integrate Helsing’s AI-powered systems with the Systematic SitaWare suite of C4ISR currently used by more than 50 nations, enabling faster data exchange between ISR UAVs and Helsing’s HX-2 loitering munitions.
-
![DSEI 2025: UK launches Project Octopus to deliver thousands of interceptor drones to Ukraine]()
DSEI 2025: UK launches Project Octopus to deliver thousands of interceptor drones to Ukraine
The programme will work to build and deploy the drones to Ukraine to support its fight against Russia, coming a day after Poland shot down 19 Russian drones in its airspace.
