SQNLDR Andrew Jackson has completed his final flight as a student pilot at Eglin Air Force Base. (US Air Force)

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Squadron Leader Andrew Jackson has become the first Australian to qualify as an F-35A Lightning II pilot.

SQNLDR Jackson concluded his training with a final mission at Eglin Air Force Base on April 23, after his initial flight in the aircraft on March 17 made him the first Australian to fly the F-35A. He will soon start training other Australian pilots.

The first F-35A is due to arrive in Australia in 2018, and the first squadron – No.3 Squadron – will be operational in 2021.