The Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) F-35As reached initial operational capability (IOC) Dec. 28, 2020, making Australia the seventh country to declare IOC for its F-35 fleet. The announcement was made despite COVID-related effects on manufacturing and testing that made it challenging for the development, production, and fielding of aircraft worldwide in late 2020. 

Five further F-35As arrived at RAAF Base Williamtown in New South Wales in December 2022, bringing the total to 59 operational F-35 aircraft for Australia. These fighter jets are now poised and ready to maintain security in the Indo-Pacific region. 

The F-35 continues to be a catalyst for the transformation of the Australian Defence Force, utilizing its sensors and low observable technology to operate with impunity in contested airspace and fuse a picture of the battlespace for other air, land, and sea assets.