RAAF's F-35A fighter jet performed first ever in-flight weapons release

One of Australia’s F-35A aircraft has conducted its first ever in-flight weapons release during an exercise departing from Luke Air Force Base (AFB), Arizona on 14 December 2016, the Royal Australian Air Force announced on Jan. 18 on its website. The GBU-12, 500lb Paveway II Laser Guided Bomb, was employed by Australian aircraft A35-002, during a sortie over the Barry M Goldwater Range (BMGR) just west of Luke AFB. Read more

An Australian F-35A Joint Strike Fighter (A35-002) at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona (USA) with its weapons bay open during the loading of the 500lb Paveway II Laser Guided Bomb, the GBU-12, prior to the aircraft's first ever weapons release
(Credit: Lockheed Martin)