Two major projects to replace ageing RAAF jet planes have come under fresh assault from the Pentagon's chief weapons tester

New reports from the United States military's top weapons testing expert have raised fresh doubts about two of Australia's key future air power projects.

According to leaked documents the head of the Pentagon's operational test and evaluation office, Michael Gilmore, has raised major concerns about software flaws in the new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and the sensors on board the Boeing P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

The eight Australian Poseidons to be based at Edinburgh near Adelaide are due in service by 2019 to replace the RAAF's P3C Orion maritime patrol planes.

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