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The Royal Australian Air Force has welcomed the arrival of a new tranche of fifth-generation fighter jets, in its final delivery for 2021.
The RAAF announced on Tuesday that it had taken delivery of three new Lockheed Martin-built F-35A Lightning II aircraft, bringing the force’s total size of the fleet to 44.
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The new jets touched down in RAAF Base Williamtown, where these were accepted by No. 77 Squadron.
The aircraft left Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, United States, travelling via Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii, before making their way to Australia for Exercise Lightning Ferry 21-4.
Commanding Officer No. 77 Squadron Wing Commander Tim Ireland said the delivery of three new fighter jets was an important milestone for the RAAF as it integrates fifth-generation air power.
“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.”
No. 77 Squadron recently participated in Exercise Lighting Spear 21 at Eglin Air Force Base — an operational test activity for No. 81 Wing aimed at verifying weapons integration.
“The consecutive activities of Lightning Spear and Lightning Ferry demonstrates No. 77 Squadron’s agility and maturity at operating with our latest F-35A capability,” Wing Commander Ireland said.
“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 Commonwealth government has ordered 72 F-35A aircraft under the Joint Strike Fighter program.
All 72 jets are expected to be fully operational by 2023, with an option to expand the fleet to a maximum of 100 aircraft.
This latest delivery was the last for the 2021 calendar year.
David Heath
says:Why are we buying these flying bricks? They’re over-priced, late, full of problems and don’t really perform the kinds of missions we need in Australia. Further, when they relocate to a forward base, they have to bring a mainframe computer in a shipping container and can take up to two weeks to learn all the local electronic signatures.
From what I have heard, they need two days of ground maintenance following every mission.
Some fool even suggested that they would replace the A-10!!!
Craig Beatty
says:David Heath, and that’s why they’re being purchased by more and more countries! Switzerland being the latest and Japan have increased their buy.
Ron Martin
says:I think we should also get some of the latest version of the F15 Eagle as well.