Australians are paying Trump to fix F-35 fighter jets — and they’re America’s planes, not ours

Australians are contributing $1.44 billion to repair and modernize the U.S. F-35 fighter jet fleet, despite the aircraft being American property, according to reports from Crikey. This financial commitment comes amid ongoing issues with the F-35's reliability, which have led to a sharp decline in its operational readiness. Australia, as a partner nation within the F-35 program, has been required to share in the costs associated with maintaining and upgrading these advanced combat systems. The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently released findings showing a significant drop in the operational capability of the F-35 fleet. Between 2021 and 2025, the percentage of F-35s deemed “mission capable”, meaning they can carry out all their intended functions, fell from 67% to 44%. The “full mission capable rate,” which measures how often the jets can perform all assigned missions, dropped even further, from 38% to 25%. These figures highlight the persistent technical challenges facing the F-35 program, which has been plagued by delays, cost overruns, and performance shortcomings since its inception. Australia's involvement in the F-35 program began in 2016 when the government announced plans to purchase 72 F-35A Lightning II fighters. At the time, the decision was framed as a strategic investment in national defense and regional security. However, the ongoing maintenance and upgrade costs have placed a growing financial burden on Australian taxpayers. The latest contribution of $1.44 billion is part of a broader effort to ensure the F-35 fleet remains viable and effective for both the U.S. and its international partners. The Australian Defence Minister, Richard Marles, has acknowledged the challenges posed by the F-35 program. In recent statements, he emphasized the need for continued collaboration with the United States to address the technical and logistical hurdles associated with the aircraft. The partnership, however, has not been without controversy. Critics argue that Australia has become increasingly dependent on U.S. military technology and infrastructure, raising concerns about sovereignty and long-term strategic autonomy. This situation is further complicated by the evolving geopolitical landscape. With the formation of AUKUS, a trilateral security pact involving Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, the role of Australian military assets in supporting U.S. operations has expanded. As part of this agreement, Australia has committed to enhancing its naval capabilities, including the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines. While these developments are framed as necessary for regional stability, they also underscore the deepening integration of Australia’s defense strategy with that of the United States. The implications of Australia’s financial and strategic commitments extend beyond immediate operational requirements. They reflect broader trends in global defense procurement, where nations often find themselves subsidizing the development and maintenance of advanced military technologies produced by larger powers. The F-35 program exemplifies this dynamic, with participating countries bearing substantial costs while reaping limited direct benefits. For Australia, the challenge lies in balancing its alliance obligations with its national interests and fiscal responsibilities. As the F-35 program continues to evolve, so too does the debate over its effectiveness and sustainability. With the current administration in Washington still grappling with the legacy of past decisions, the future of the F-35 remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Australian taxpayers will likely face additional demands for funding as the program progresses. The coming years will test the resilience of the partnership and the ability of all parties to navigate the complex realities of modern defense cooperation.