Personnel from the Australian Embassy in Washington, joined Royal Australian Air Force personnel at Luke Air Force Base to host a ‘Mateship’ event recognising contributions to Australia’s F-35 capability.
Royal Australian Air Force pilots and maintenance personnel have partnered with United States Air Force units and Lockheed Martin to prepare for the introduction of Australia’s first fifth-generation air combat capability.
The F-35A Joint Strike Fighter is the most advanced, affordable fifth generation multi-role stealth fighter to meet Australia’s need to defeat emerging threats well into the future. The F-35A is truly next-generation due to its stealth capability, advanced sensors, data fusion and its ability to share information with other aircraft, Army units and Navy ships.
The Australian Government has approved the purchase of 72 F-35A aircraft to replace F/A-18A/B Hornets. Royal Australian Air Force pilots and maintenance personnel are fully embedded and integrated in USAF squadrons as they prepare to lead Australia’s transition to a fifth-generation Air Force.Wing Commander
Darren Clare, Commanding Officer of Royal Australian Air Force No. 3 Squadron, in front of an Australian F-35A aircraft on the flight line at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, USA.
Australian Department of Defence
November 9, 2018