The first four of a new squadron of F-35A Lightning ll fighter jets landed at RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory on Thursday. The new fighters will be permanently based in the Territory and replace the ageing F/A-18A/B Classic Hornets that have been in operation for 33 years. This comes as part of the Morrison government’s ongoing investment in the Tindal base to boost the Australian Defence Force’s capacity to defend Australia’s interests, as well as strengthen the nation’s Air Force capabilities in the Indo-Pacific, which includes India, Japan, Vietnam, Taiwan, Indonesia, and New Zealand. Defence Minister Peter Dutton said that the No.75 Squadron, which had previously operated the Classic Hornet aircraft, would operate the new multi-role fighter jets from the Top End because it is a strategically important location for national defence and regional engagement. “By the time the Air Force is scheduled to declare F-35A Final Operational …