The controversial F-35 Joint Strike Fighter will make its Australian debut in March.
The federal government on Tuesday confirmed two of the fifth-generation aircraft would appear at the Australian International Airshow at Avalon, in Melbourne.
Australia has committed to spend about $17 billion on 72 jets to replace the ageing FA-18A/B Classic Hornets, with the first expected to enter service from late 2018.
The two jets have been based Luke Air Force Base, Phoenix, Arizona and four Australian pilots are in training there learning to fly them.
After the airshow the jets will return to the US.
Defence Minister Marise Payne said Australia looked forward to the outcome of the Trump Administration's review of the JSF program.
"The US government negotiates on behalf of all partner nations, so Australia will share in any realised cost reductions," Senator Payne told the Australian Defence Magazine congress in Canberra.
The RAAF plans to have the first two squadrons operational by 2020.
Senator Payne also announced Australia would take possession of the first of its 12 new Growler electronic attack aircraft later this month.
"Aviation enthusiasts should you wish will have a runway side view of this cutting edge aircraft when it arrives at the Avalon Airshow," she said.
Share
