Melbourne, 28 March - Australia has recently reaffirmed its commitment to the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter program, a decision that stands out amid growing uncertainties expressed by nations like Canada and Portugal regarding their own procurement plans for the U.S.-made aircraft. This move underscores Canberra’s confidence in the fifth-generation jet, developed by Lockheed Martin, even as geopolitical tensions and shifting alliances prompt some countries to reconsider their defense strategies. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) completed the delivery of its full fleet of 72 F-35A aircraft in December 2024, with the final nine jets arriving at RAAF Base Williamtown in New South Wales. This milestone marks a significant enhancement of Australia’s air defense and strike capabilities, aligning with its broader strategic goals in the Indo-Pacific region, where tensions with China continue to escalate.
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The backdrop to Australia’s steadfast support for the F-35 is particularly noteworthy given the hesitations of other nations. Canada, for instance, has begun reviewing its $19 billion contract to acquire 88 F-35 jets, a decision spurred by deteriorating relations with the United States under President Donald Trump’s administration. Ottawa’s concerns stem from Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods and provocative rhetoric, including threats of economic coercion to integrate Canada more closely with the U.S. Defense Minister Bill Blair has indicated that while the Royal Canadian Air Force initially identified the F-35 as its preferred platform, the government is now exploring alternatives, such as Sweden’s Saab Gripen, which could potentially be assembled in Canada. This shift reflects a broader reevaluation of reliance on American defense technology amid fears of operational restrictions or supply chain vulnerabilities.
Similarly, Portugal has stepped back from its earlier interest in the F-35, with Defense Minister Nuno Melo citing uncertainties in U.S. foreign policy, particularly Trump’s skepticism toward NATO commitments. Lisbon had viewed the F-35 as a potential replacement for its aging F-16 fleet, but concerns over maintenance costs, operational autonomy, and the unpredictability of U.S. support have led Portugal to consider European alternatives like the Dassault Rafale or Eurofighter Typhoon. These developments highlight a growing wariness among some NATO allies about depending on American systems, especially as Trump’s administration has hinted at reducing defense commitments to Europe. In contrast, Australia’s position appears resolute. Air Vice-Marshal Nicholas Hogan, head of capability for the RAAF, emphasized at the Avalon Air Show near Melbourne on March 27, 2025, that the service harbors no doubts about the F-35’s reliability. Hogan dismissed rumors of a so-called “kill switch”—a speculated U.S. mechanism to remotely disable foreign-operated F-35s—stating emphatically, “There is no kill switch.” This confidence is bolstered by Australia’s deepening military ties with the United States, evidenced by increased U.S. investment in Australian defense infrastructure and joint exercises involving F-35s from both nations, as well as Japan. The RAAF’s fleet, now fully equipped with the latest Technology Refresh 3 upgrades, positions Australia to counter evolving regional threats effectively.
Australia’s journey with the F-35 has not been without its twists. A few years ago, Canberra leaned toward acquiring the B-21 Raider stealth bomber to enhance its long-range strike capabilities, a preference driven by analysts at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute who argued the bomber could address missions beyond the F-35’s scope. However, the government ultimately prioritized the F-35, a decision now reinforced by the opposition Coalition’s pledge to expand the fleet to 100 jets by 2029 if it wins the next election. This expansion would further solidify Australia’s role as a key player in the Indo-Pacific, leveraging the F-35’s stealth, multi-role versatility, and interoperability with allied forces. The economic benefits of the F-35 program also factor into Australia’s commitment. Over 75 Australian companies have secured more than $4.8 billion in contracts within the global F-35 supply chain, supporting local industry and jobs. This integration into the program contrasts with Canada’s potential pivot, which could disrupt its own aerospace sector, already tied to F-35 production. For Australia, the aircraft represents not just a military asset but a strategic and economic cornerstone, reinforcing its alignment with the U.S. amid a shifting global landscape where other nations waver. As Canada and Portugal weigh their options, Australia’s embrace of the F-35 bandwagon signals a clear stance: it sees the stealth fighter as indispensable to its future security.