RAAF’s first F-35 squadron to become operational in 2020

The Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) first F-35A joint strike fighter (JSF) squadron is scheduled to become operational by the end of 2020.
Osley said the first and second F-35A conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) aircraft are expected to roll off the production line in July and August 2014 respectively, and will fly to Luke Air Force Base (AFB) in Arizona, US, for use in the pilot training pool.
It's expected the first Australian pilot to start training in early 2015. The first aircraft is scheduled to be in Australia in 2018.
Lockheed Martin has recently started assembly of RAAF's first aircraft, designated as AU-1, with the joining of fuselage parts and wing installation at its manufacturing plant in Fort Worth, Texas, US.
RAAF Base Williamtown-based No 3 Squadron is scheduled to operate the first 14 aircraft, which Australia has so far committed to purchase from the US.
Despite the acquisition cost of the new F-35As exceeding the estimated $130m for each aircraft, the price is expected to reduce for the future aircraft.
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