Australia has approved the purchase of its first order of 14 Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N) F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft, the defence minister said on Wednesday, a move aimed at retaining regional air superiority.
The A$3.2 billion ($2.9 billion) cost includes infrastructure and support for training and testing, and the planes will be ready for operations in Australia by 2018, John Faulkner said.
Australia is one of eight countries to join the United States to bankroll the radar-evading F-35, which is in the early stages of production. Other partners are Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, Canada, Denmark and Norway.
\"The Joint Strike Fighter acquisition will allow Australia to maintain its regional air combat superiority,\" Air Force Chief Air Marshal Mark Binskin said in a statement.
The approval comes after a senior Pentagon official on Monday warned some countries were delaying planned purchases of the jet, in a move that would increase initial prices for what is the costliest U.S. arms purchase.
Australia is considering buying between 72 and 100 Joint Strike Fighters to replace its fleet of F/A-18F Super Hornet fighters.
The A$3.2 billion ($2.9 billion) cost includes infrastructure and support for training and testing, and the planes will be ready for operations in Australia by 2018, John Faulkner said.
Australia is one of eight countries to join the United States to bankroll the radar-evading F-35, which is in the early stages of production. Other partners are Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, Canada, Denmark and Norway.
\"The Joint Strike Fighter acquisition will allow Australia to maintain its regional air combat superiority,\" Air Force Chief Air Marshal Mark Binskin said in a statement.
The approval comes after a senior Pentagon official on Monday warned some countries were delaying planned purchases of the jet, in a move that would increase initial prices for what is the costliest U.S. arms purchase.
Australia is considering buying between 72 and 100 Joint Strike Fighters to replace its fleet of F/A-18F Super Hornet fighters.