THE HON PETER DUTTON MP
LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION

THE HON ANDREW HASTIE MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE INDUSTRY
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL

INCREASE IN F-35A CAPABILITY FOR THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE

An elected Dutton Coalition Government will reinstate the acquisition of the fourth F-35A Lightning II squadron which Labor cancelled in their 2024-25 Budget.

The Coalition’s acquisition of the additional fourth F-35A squadron will bolster the Royal Australian Air Force’s strike and air combat capability, adding some 28 aircraft to the current fleet of 72, reaching a total of 100 aircraft – the Coalition’s original commitment.

The Coalition will provide an initial $3 billion of additional funding to Defence towards this commitment. This funding restores the allocation which the Albanese Government cut.

Negotiations will commence immediately upon coming to government to ensure we can acquire the aircraft in a timely manner; with the aim to begin delivery of additional aircraft within the next five years.

Labor has cut, delayed and reprioritised more than $80 billion of funding from Defence.

This is a Government who less than a year after promising to grow defence spending to 2.4 per cent of GDP, have backflipped and reduced the target to “over 2.3 percent.”

Only the Coalition is committed to backing Defence by increasing the current Defence budget and providing our ADF with the capabilities they need.

A Dutton Government will stand up for Australia and get Defence back on track.

2 March 2025