The tenth F-35A to be delivered to the RAAF has arrived at Luke Air Force Base (AFB) in Arizona, joining Australia’s other JSF aircraft on the flight line.
The ninth and tenth aircraft will operate on the Australian Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS) which performs maintenance management, fault diagnostics, supply support, mission planning and training management across the F-35A fleet.
“Our tenth JSF was delivered to RAAF’s No. 3 Squadron at Luke AFB last week following a range of acceptance testing activities authorising delivery,” Minister for Defence Christopher Pyne said.
“This is a key milestone in our acquisition of the JSF, which is the most advanced, affordable fifth-generation multi-role stealth fighter to meet Australia’s need to defeat emerging threats well into the future.”
“Until now, all aircraft deliveries went to the F-35 International Pilot Training Centre, which required RAAF maintainers to perform ALIS-related tasks using the American system,” Minister Pyne added.
“Operating on Australian ALIS is an important achievement before the JSFs arrive in Australia in December this year.”
Minister for Defence Industry Steven Ciobo said Australian industry was critical in the establishment of the Australian ALIS.
“Lockheed Martin ALIS administrators and maintenance technicians have been directly supporting the RAAF’s operations at Luke AFB,” Minister Ciobo said.
“Effective collaboration between Defence and industry is essential to the Australian F-35A Project and it is pleasing to see continued success in this area.
“More than 50 Australian companies have directly shared in more than $1 billion in global JSF production contracts to date.”