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Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy has reflected on the year that was for Australia’s defence capability delivery over 2024, with some major milestones for defence industry, policy and the Australian warfighter.
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The delivery of the final nine F-35A Lightning II fighter jets marks a powerful milestone in bolstering Australia’s national security. This achievement underscores the Albanese government’s steadfast commitment to equipping the Australian Defence Force with cutting-edge capabilities to defend the nation.
Since the arrival of the first two F-35A aircraft on 10 December 2018, Defence has worked tirelessly to rapidly integrate this game-changing technology. These versatile, multi-role fighters, alongside the EA-18G Growlers and F/A-18F Super Hornets, form the backbone of Australia’s air defence and strike capabilities as outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy.
Armed with stealth technology, advanced countermeasures, and electronic warfare systems, the F-35A ensures both lethality and survivability in evolving operational environments.
Minister Conroy celebrated the achievements of the year, saying, “The Albanese government is delivering the capabilities the ADF needs to make Australians safer and strengthening our sovereign defence industry to deliver jobs and a future made in Australia.”
The latest batch of nine aircraft also brings next-generation enhancements to the fleet. Featuring Technology Refresh 3 for Block 4 upgrades, these jets are equipped to address future threats with advanced capabilities. This milestone caps off a year of accelerated defence advancements that place Australia at the forefront of technological and strategic readiness.
Highlights of ADF capability delivery in 2024 include:
- Missile advancements: Navy successfully fired three new missile types – Tomahawk guided missiles, Standard Missile 6, and Naval Strike Missiles – for the first time.
- Hunter Class frigates: Construction began on the first Hunter Class frigate while designs for a new general-purpose frigate moved forward following the Surface Fleet Review.
- Autonomous technology: The Navy took delivery of the prototype Ghost Shark, a groundbreaking robotic undersea vehicle.
- Army upgrades: Delivery of 46 new M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks and seven UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters strengthened Army capabilities.
- Aviation and infrastructure: Australia received its first Triton remotely piloted aircraft, while construction began on a $200 million deep maintenance facility at RAAF Edinburgh.
Meanwhile, Minister Conroy highlighted the 2024–25 budget earmarked $764.6 billion over the next decade to empower a self-reliant and future-ready ADF. This follows a record-breaking $16.6 billion in acquisitions during the FY2023-24, with over half supporting Australian industry. Sustainment funding hit $16.4 billion, with nearly 80 per cent contributing to local businesses.
Minister Conroy added, “It is also important to pay tribute to thousands of uniformed ADF members, members of the Australian public service and workers in the Australian defence industry who all play a vital role in the defence of our nation.”
