Royal Australian Air Force pilots will soon fly two Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircrafts to Australia as the controversial F-35 program continues to face scrutiny for technical problems and cost blowouts.

Key points: The Government is preparing to spend $17 billion on 72 F-35 aircraft

The Government is preparing to spend $17 billion on 72 F-35 aircraft Howard government decided to join multi-billion dollar JSF program at the US' invitation

Howard government decided to join multi-billion dollar JSF program at the US' invitation Donald Trump blasted project tweeting F-35 cost blowouts were "out of control"

The Government has confirmed the JSF will be the star attraction at the Avalon Air Show to be held outside Melbourne at the end of February.

Defence Minister Marise Payne has told the ABC the impending visit of the fifth-generation fighter should send an important message to critics.

"I think it's an important undertaking and I think Avalon is a perfect time to do it," she said.

"I know that Air Force is particularly pleased to have the opportunity and I look forward to some chances for people who have been following this story for some time to actually see it over our own continent."

The Federal Government is preparing to spend $17 billion on 72 F-35 aircraft, with the first expected to be delivered to Australia in 2018 and enter service in 2020.

The two jets have been based in Luke Air Force Base in the United States where four Royal Australian Air Force pilots are training to fly the cutting-edge aircraft.

An official familiar with planning for the impending visit said secrecy surrounding the cutting-edge technology had complicated arrangements for the event, including the challenge of finding a suitable hangar.

In December, US President Donald Trump blasted the project, tweeting that the cost blowouts associated with the Lockheed Martin aircraft were "out of control" and vowing to save billions of dollars in military purchases when he came into office.

Senator Payne said she looked forward to the outcome of the Trump Administration's review of the controversial program.

"The US Government negotiates on behalf of all partner nations, so Australia will share in any realised cost reductions," she said.