The Royal Australian Air Force has taken delivery of the final nine F-35A Lightning II fighter jets, completing the fleet of 72 aircraft ordered under a program initiated in 2010. In line with Australia’s national defense strategy, these aircraft will operate alongside the existing F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler fleets based at RAAF Base Williamtown in New South Wales. The F-35A is currently deployed in three operational squadrons and one training unit across the Northern Territory and New South Wales.
