Construction has commenced on $1.5 billion worth of storage for the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter.

The Defence Department says the New Air Combat Capability Facilities at RAAF Base Williamtown will support the introduction, operation and deployment of the F-35A, Australia’s new jet fighter.

It means the world’s most expensive weapons system will have some comfortable places to sit in Australia.

Australia is buying 72 of the aircraft, at a currently undefined cost, despite its myriad of design and testing problems. 

The UK is reportedly considering reducing its commitment to the scheme, as costs-per-plane soar around $100 million. 

Turning of the first sod at the RAAF base marks the start of close to $1.5 billion worth of facilities for the aircraft at ten bases across the country.

Facilities will also be constructed at RAAF Base Tindal near Katherine in the Northern Territory, RAAF Bases Townsville and Scherger in Queensland, RAAF Base Darwin in the Northern Territory, RAAF Bases Curtin, Learmonth and Pearce in Western Australia, RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia and Defence Establishment Myambat in NSW.

“The introduction of the F-35A aircraft to RAAF Base Williamtown assures its position as our premier fighter training base for Australia’s air combat pilots,” a departmental statement says.

The first F-35A aircraft will arrive in Australia in late-2018, barring any future delays or overruns.

The F-35 project is close to a decade behind schedule, and current estimates show it could cost over $US 2 trillion to operate and maintain F-35s around the world over the next 55 years.