The Australian Government has approved a $3.2 billion acquisition program for the Air Force’s first 14 Joint Strike Fighters (JSF).
Defence Minister Senator John Faulkner said the decision followed years of unprecedented evaluation and planning by all countries involved in the JSF’s development.
“Defence has done more analysis on this platform than any other platform in the acquisition history of the ADF,” Senator Faulkner said.
Senator Faulkner said the approval for the remaining JSF aircraft would be considered in 2012, fulfilling Defence’s White Paper commitment to acquire three operational squadrons comprising not fewer than 72 aircraft.
Acquisition of an additional operational squadron – bringing the total number of JSF aircraft to around 100 – will be considered in conjunction with a future decision on the withdrawal of the F/A-18F Super Hornet.
“By 2012, Defence will have much firmer cost estimates for the remaining aircraft…as part of the planned first multi-year buy that is expected to comprise over 1000 aircraft for the US, Australia and other partners,” Senator Faulkner said.

“This will allow for much more effective planning of the final JSF acquisition in the context of the overall Defence Capability Plan.”
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science Greg Combet said the Government’s acquisition decision would allow JSF industry partners to establish formal relationships with Australian industry.
“Our commitment to the JSF will allow Australian industry to become integrated into the global JSF support system, ensuring our aircraft are supported in the most cost effective way,” Mr Combet said.
“Commitment to the JSF also opens up opportunities for Australian industry to contribute to regional and global support of the JSF.”

Source: Australian MOD / Airforce