Lockheed Martin wants to boost supply of F-35 Lightning II fighters to Royal Australian Air Force

The US company Lockheed Martin hopes the Royal Australian Air Force will want to buy more fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighters. It was announced by Executive Vice President Greg Ulmer on the sidelines of Avalon Airshow 2023.

Here's What We Know

Australia originally wanted to buy 100 F-35 Lightning II aircraft, but then reduced the order to 72 fifth-generation fighters. We are talking about a modification of the F-35A. They formed three squadrons. However, if the Strategic Defence Review is fully approved, Australia will order a fourth squadron of aircraft.

Australian authorities will make the final decision about the possible purchase of an additional batch of fifth-generation fighters in April 2023. This was announced by the country's Defence Minister Richard Marles, who also visited the Avalon Airshow 2023. If the order is placed this year, Lockheed Martin will be able to deliver all aircraft within four years.

Source: CNBC