Here’s Why Australia Canceled Its Order For F-35 Fighter Jets

Australia has canceled (or, rather, paused) its planned purchase of a fourth squadron of Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jet aircraft. The F-35 is now fully operational in Australia and forms the backbone of the country’s fighter jet capability. The door remains open for Australia purchasing a fourth squadron of F-35s, but the longer it’s delayed, the more choice Australia will have in purchasing upcoming aircraft, like the Tempest/GCAP.