Last delivery of RAAF F-35As

On 18 December 2024, the last three Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) were delivered to RAAF Williamtown (NSW).

Just a little over six years after the first F-35A was delivered to RAAF Williamtown. The three aircraft, serials A35-068, A35-069 and A35-071, all 75 Squadron markings, touched down in this order after a long flight from Hawaii. Starting late November 2024, the last nine F-35As were delivered in three groups of three aircraft each.

The RAAF ordered 72 F-35As for three operational squadrons and one training squadron at RAAF Williamtown (NSW) and RAAF Tindal (NT). Williamtown is the homebase for 3 Squadron Operta Aperta (Secrets Revealed), 77 Squadron Swift to Destroy and 2 Operational Conversion Unit Juventus Non Sine Pinnis (The Young Shall Have Wings). Tindal is the homebase for 75 Squadron Seek and Strike.

The first F-35A aircraft was accepted into Australian service in December 2018 and the F-35A squadron, 3 Squadron, became operational in 2021. The first eight aircraft were initially delivered to 61st Fighter Squadron, part of the 56th Fighter Wing, at Luke AFB (AZ) for pilot training.

Since 2015, 37 RAAF pilots completed the 56th Fighter Wing-led F-35A operational conversion course. The successful conclusion of the training programme equipped the RAAF with 21 instructors who began the country’s first Australia-based operational conversion course in 2021.

Credit photo: Stephen Baldwin