The article reports on the decision to retire the F-111 jet fighter plane, which is set at the end of 2010 in Australia. It states that the plane was the backbone of airborne strike power within the Australian Defence Force for 37 years. It mentions that it entered service in 1973 with the Royal Australian Air Force. Moreover, it notes that it was selected by the Menzies Government because of its radar avoidance, speed, long range and big bomb load.