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.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Defence Notes
-
![Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan]()
Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan
The new plan outlined how Spain would reach 2% of its GDP spend on defence by 2025, with €1.9 billion earmarked for new equipment acquisition with several land, naval and air platforms disclosed to be replaced or upgraded.
-
![New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia]()
New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia
This budget will be spent over the next four years and nearly doubles the country’s defence spending as part of GDP to 2%.
-
![UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”]()
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
![Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees]()
Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees
The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.
-
![Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market]()
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
