Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II A35-022, RAAF 3 Squadron

"Exercise Arnhem Thunder 21" (licensed Air Force Centenary product)

The Lockheed F-35 is an advanced stealth fifth generation fighter combining speed and superb agility. There are three variants; F-35A, B and C. The F-35A CTOL (Conventional Take Off and Landing) and has four internal weapons stations in two weapons bays plus three optional external weapons stations. The F-35B STOVL (Short Take Off Vertical Landing) variant while the F-35C is a CV (Carrier Variant). The F-35 will replace the USAF A-10 and F-16, the F/A-18 for the USN and the F/A-18 and AV-8B Harrier for the USMC.

The largest RAAF domestic training exercise in 2021 was “Arnhem Thunder 21” that took place from May 17th to June 15th 2021. Taking part in the exercise were F/A-18 Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, F/A -18A/B Hornets air re-fueling aircraft, transports and airborne early warning aircraft. Also including in “Exercise Arnhem Thunder 21” were F-35As from 3 Squadron, Williamtown. Two of the F-35As were set up in the Beast Mode, A35-022 and A35-028 carrying inert GBU-12 for the first time on way to their Delamere Air weapons Range.