Avalon 2017: F-35A woos Australia
The platform generating the greatest interest at the Avalon Air Show was the arrival of the Lockheed Martin F-35A fighter, with a pair of the expensive aircraft touching down on Australian soil for the first time on 3 March.
The Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) F-35As flew from Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, stopping over in Hawaii, Guam and Brisbane before reaching Avalon. They completed 21 refuelling brackets from an accompanying A330 MRTT, while a C-17A also flew in support.
All in all, it was a major logistical effort to get the F-35As to Australia – the type's
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![Estonia boosting defence industry with lessons from Ukraine, says country’s economic minister]()
Estonia boosting defence industry with lessons from Ukraine, says country’s economic minister
Estonia is looking to boost its local defence industry with directed funding, industry parks, support through international orders for equipment and rapid prototyping.
-
![India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict]()
India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict
The latest escalation between Iran and Israel could shape New Delhi’s next-generation shield as India deepens cooperation with Israel on missile defence and drone production.
-
![Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?]()
Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?
The Pentagon spent a considerable number of THAAD and SM-3 rounds to defend against Iranian missiles in 2025 and has not fully replenished its reserves.
-
![New Zealand buys tri-service uncrewed kit from Syos Aerospace]()
New Zealand buys tri-service uncrewed kit from Syos Aerospace
As uncrewed technology continues to play an increasingly central role in modern military activities, New Zealand’s recent acquisitions point towards its the force’s focus on cost-effective capability.
