For the first time, Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft have taken to the skies with a full complement of weapons. The two fully laden F-35As last month took off from RAAF Base Darwin as part of Exercise Arnhem Thunder 21, according the Department of Defence website. Commanding Officer No. 35 Squadron Wing Commander Matthew Harper said the F-35A was the only Western fighter jet that could carry both internal and external ordnance.
“This design feature allows Australian F-35As to be adapted to suit the threat environment and operational requirements,” Harper said. “This mode would most likely be used in less contested environments where rapid employment of ordnance is prioritised over maximising the F-35A’s stealth capabilities.”
In addition to their internal payload, the pair departed with inert GBU-12 bombs attached to their under-wing pylons....MORE
