New F-35A aircraft arrive in Australia
Seven new F-35A Lightning II aircraft have arrived at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Williamtown.
The delivery brings the total number of F-35A operating at RAAF Base Williamtown to 13, with another five aircraft based at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, US.
The Australian government also recently approved the next 24 aircraft – meaning all 72 Australian F-35A Lightning II aircraft are now on order.
The government has signed onto an international deal known as the Block Buy Contract, valued in total at $34 billion, which will deliver 45 of Australia’s F-35A Lightning II aircraft.
Linda Reynolds, minister for defence, said: ‘This is the most advanced, multi-role stealth fighter in the world which will deliver next generation capability benefits and provide a major boost to air combat capability.’
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