The federal government's multi-billion dollar Joint Strike Fighter program has reached a new milestone with seven F-35A Lightning II aircraft arriving at RAAF Base Williamtown.
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Minister for Defence Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the F-35 program was on track to provide Australia with a fifth generation aircraft that was at the forefront of air combat technology.
"This brings the total number of F-35A's that are operating at RAAF Base Williamtown to 13, with another five aircraft based at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, USA," Minister Reynolds said.
![Seven new F-35 Lightning II aircraft arrive at Williamtown
Seven new F-35 Lightning II aircraft arrive at Williamtown](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/GJZ5TVpAk84wrTzsQfLQRB/f918e751-a9ff-49ea-8d50-d10f58535ed7.jpg/r0_0_1017_678_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
"This is the most advanced, multi-role stealth fighter in the world which will deliver next generation capability benefits and provide a major boost to air combat capability."
The government has approved the next 24 aircraft too with all 72 Australian F-35A Lightning II aircraft locked in.
Defence has also signed onto an international deal known as the Block Buy Contract, valued in total at USD$34 billion, which will deliver 45 of Australia's F-35A Lightning II aircraft.
![Seven new F-35 Lightning II aircraft arrive at Williamtown
Seven new F-35 Lightning II aircraft arrive at Williamtown](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/GJZ5TVpAk84wrTzsQfLQRB/2d9cfd33-387e-4f0a-8a91-965e271ac520.jpg/r0_133_1200_530_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
"The deal is great news for Australia with the unit price now five-percent below the estimate at Government approval in 2014," Minister Reynolds said.
"The F-35A is a key part of the Morrison government's $200 billion investment in Defence capability which includes investing in next-generation air combat capability for Australia."