Federal Government to announce purchase of 72 stealth fighter jets for RAAF 23 Apr 2014 Ian McPhedran
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“THE Abbott Government will purchase 72 [total for time being perhaps] advanced American-built stealth fighter jets to spearhead the nation’s defence for the next half century.
The $12.4 billion through-life outlay, to be announced in Canberra today by the Prime Minsiter, is the biggest defence purchase in Australian history and includes every aspect of the system from hangars to missiles.
The so-called “fifth generation” JF-35 Lightning Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) planes will be deployed in three operational squadrons and a training squadron based at RAAF Williamtown near Newcastle in NSW and RAAF Tindal near Katherine in the Northern Territory.
About $1.6 billion will be spent on new facilities at the air force bases....
...The government has already ordered 14 planes and another 58 will be added, taking the total to 72 with the option of another 24 further down the track.
They will enter service from 2018 and will serve alongside 24 Super Hornet fighters already in service with the RAAF.
The jets will replace the RAAF’s fleet of ageing F/A-18 Classic Hornet fighters that will retire by 2022....”