(Adds comments from Lockheed Martin)
Australia’s F-35A Lightning II fleet can now be deployed on operations, with Initial Operational Capability being officially achieved today (28 December), according to Defence officials.
Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said the F-35s are the most advanced, multi-role stealth fighter in the world. “The fifth-generation F-35A, along with the F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler, is key to our air combat capability and critical to achieving the objectives set out in the 2020 Defence Strategic Update to Shape, Deter and Respond,” Reynolds said. “For the last two years, Defence has rigorously tested the F-35A fleet to assess aircraft and system performance, and declare this important milestone. I would like to thank everyone that has worked so hard to get us to this point; to have accomplished all the required testing and materiel delivery is remarkable. The Australian Defence Force now has an F-35A squadron ready to conduct technologically advanced strike and air combat roles, and another squadron dedicated to providing world-class training here in Australia. While 2020 presented significant challenges to all of us, and travel restrictions made it difficult to ferry our aircraft to Australia, the huge efforts of Defence, industry and our partners in the United States made today’s achievement possible.”
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said cooperation with industry had set Defence up for long-term success. “Our defence industry has played a critical role in achieving today’s milestone, which continues the success story of Australia’s involvement in the F-35 global program,” Price said. “Just last month we announced that more than 50 Australian companies have shared in A$2.7 billion in contracts, demonstrating the Morrison Government’s commitment to backing Australian industry and supporting Australian jobs. Australia will continue to work with the United States F-35 Joint Program Office and our industry partners as more aircraft are delivered through to 2023, and a mature capability is achieved.”
The F-35 continues to be a catalyst for the transformation of the Australian Defence Force, utilising its sensors and low observable technology to operate with impunity in contested airspace and fuse a picture of the battlespace for other air, land and sea assets. Along with its advanced weapons capacity and superior range, the F-35 offers unparalleled combat capabilities, according to Lockheed Martin.
“This IOC ushers in a new era of Australian air power that gives the RAAF transformational and game-changing capabilities,” said Joe North, Lockheed Martin Australia chief executive. “As the Original Equipment Manufacturer and lead industry sustainment partner for Australia’s F-35A fleet, Lockheed Martin congratulates the RAAF on achieving this milestone, and we stand ready to support the fleet with our industry partners.”
Bill Brotherton, acting F-35 vice president and general manager, acknowledged the unwavering dedication of the joint government and industry team who contributed to this milestone. “This team’s focus on delivering the most effective, survivable and connected fighter in the world ensures the sovereign protection of Australia and strengthens the future of the F-35 coalition.”
The F-35 program is also a catalyst for evolving Australia’s robust and resilient defence industry capability. With every F-35 manufactured containing Australian-made parts, more than 50 Australian companies have benefited from A$2.7 billion (US$2 billion) in contracts for the development, production and sustainment of the aircraft. The F-35 program creates more than 2,400 high-tech manufacturing jobs for Australian industry, Lockheed Martin said.
With more than 600 aircraft operating from 26 bases and ships across the globe, the F-35 plays a critical role in today’s global security environment. More than 1,200 pilots and 10,000 maintainers have been trained on the aircraft. Nine nations have F-35s operating from their home soil. Australia currently has a fleet of 33 F-35As, and RAAF crews have surpassed more than 8,780 flight hours to date, with more than 45 pilots and 600 maintainers supporting the fleet.
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So when is war with China begin please?
Nice to see the new F35 A fighter planes are operational but GEEZ I would like many more PURCHASED NOT 75 planes but more like 300 ALL of AUSTRALIAS defence force capability is VERY VERY SMALL.
When will the Super Hornets and the Growlers be allowed to fly again/