Australia Gets First Two F-35s

Lockheed Martin rolled out first two F-35 Lightning II aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) today, it said in a press release.

Frank Kendall, U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology & Logistics said, "The fighter jet program is an integral component of our ongoing joint commitment to stability and peace in the Asia-Pacific."

The contract is worth more than $412 million already sanctioned and might go up to $6 billion in expected manufacturing orders over the life of the program.

The aircraft, known as AU-1 and AU-2, will undergo scheduled functional fuel system checks before being sent for ground and flight tests in the coming months. The jets are expected to arrive at Luke Air Force Base, Aizona and will be delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force later this year and will conduct pilot training for Australian Air Force.