In a statement, the State Department said it was vital to the national interest to “assist our ally in developing and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability”.

A single RAAF F-35A Lightning II flew over Canberra at midday on Sunday as part of the ANZAC Day National Service.

Boeing confirmed this week that RUAG Australia is set to become the nation’s first business to gain certification to undertake repair work on the E-7A Wedgetail Air Cycle Machines (ACM).

The aircraft are responding to tropical cyclone Seroja, which has destroyed or completely damaged 170 residential properties and businesses.

The sheep farmer who lost a Supreme Court case against the RAAF for ignoring her “cease and desist” noise notice has vowed to appeal to the High Court.