Australia to arm fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighters with AGM-158C LRASM and JSM missiles

The Australian government commissioned former Defence Minister Stephen Smith and former Chief of Defence Force Angus Houston to analyse the country's defence capabilities and make recommendations and improvements. The authors of the Strategic Defence Review (DSR) focused on the F-35A Lightning II fighters.

Here's What We Know

Page 61 of the DSR states that Australia should upgrade its fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II fighters to Block 4 level. This would equip them with Joint Strike Missile (JSM) multirole cruise missiles.

The report also states that the F-35A Lightning II and F/A-18F Super Hornet fighters should be equipped with AGM-158C LRASM long-range anti-ship missiles. They can hit targets at ranges over 370 km. The cost per missile in fiscal year 2021 was almost $4 million.

As for the upgrade of F-35 to the Block 4 level, the main innovation will be the AN/APG-85 radar with an active phased array antenna. Also after the upgrade the fighter will be able to launch GBU-53 StromBreaker bombs and receive a new system of situational awareness on the battlefield.

As for DSR, the authors of the report recommend developing the MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone program with the United States and foregoing the purchase of B-21 Raider nuclear bombers. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) advised the Australian government to purchase 12 aircraft for $28 billion last December.

Source: Australian Government | Defence