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Controversial F-35 Joint Strike Fighter makes Australian debut

Xinhua, February 28, 2017 Adjust font size:

The controversial Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) arrived in Australia for the first time overnight, in preparation for its public debut at the Avalon Airshow in Victoria later this week.

The F-35 has been widely criticized by military experts and politicians over the last few years, as the program has been plagued by delays and cost blowouts since it was first announced in 2001.

The F-35s arrived at the Amberley Air Force Base just outside of Brisbane late on Monday, and are expected to fly down to Geelong in Victoria where the Avalon Air Show is set to take place from Friday.

Australia has committed to purchasing at least 72 of the jets despite doubts over the future of the JSF program; earlier this year, U. S. President Donald Trump publicly criticized Lockheed Martin for the "cost overruns" of the jet program.

The jets will be formally welcomed by Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Defense Minister Marise Payne at the airshow, while the jets are only expected to debut in service in 2020.

The cost of Australia's 72 aircraft is expected to hit 13 billion US dollars, while four Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) pilots are currently undergoing training on the jets in the United States.

The F-35s are expected to replace the ageing FA-18 Hornets currently in service with the RAAF. Endit