The Australian Government is investing A$ 1.6 billion to ensure the Australian Defence Force (ADF) can continue to deliver a potent air combat capability from the Northern Territory. The Government had approved a further A$ 1.1 billion program of works at the RAAF Base Tindal, on top of the $495 million already invested in New Air Combat Capability infrastructure. This investment is all about keeping Australians safe and putting Australians in jobs. Over 300 jobs will be created in the construction phase alone. The investment is part of the $8 billion we are spending over the coming decade on Defence facilities in the Top End, as part of the Defence White Paper and under our Developing Northern Australia initiatives.
Under the redevelopment projects, A$ 737 million will go towards upgrading the airfield including extending the runway, building a new air movements terminal, parking apron and extra fuel storage facilities. An additional A$437 million will provide critical base infrastructure upgrades, particularly engineering services on the base including power, water and sewage, as well as 108 new live-in units for Australian Defence Force personnel. The 2016 Defence White Paper identified Northern Australia as strategically important, both for national defence and as a forward base for regional engagement. The Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Industry will open the recently completed $495 million New Air Combat Capability facility. The completion of this facility will support the arrival of Australia’s cutting-edge F-35A Joint Strike Fighter aircraft at RAAF Base Tindal in the years ahead.
The arrival of the aircraft follows the base’s certification to conduct F-35A operations. The F-35A joint strike fighters (JSFs) have replaced the RAAF F/A-18A/B Classic Hornet fleet, which has been in service for a period of 33 years. The No 75 Squadron operating from Tindal was the last unit to fly the F/A-18A/B Hornets. Lockheed Martin and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) are working in close cooperation with F135 engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney to ensure Tindal will serve as an effective base for long-term engine maintenance. The Top End, from where the No. 75 Squadron would operate the fighter jets, is a strategic location for national defence and a hub for regional engagement. The Australian Government is continuing to invest in RAAF Base Tindal in order to increase the reach of our air force capabilities in the Indo-Pacific. Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) Base Tindal in the Northern Territory (NT) has received the first four F-35A Lightning II multirole combat aircraft.
The F-35A Lightning II is the Australian Defence Force’s first fifth-generation air combat capability. It is a highly advanced multi-role, supersonic, stealth fighter which will meet Australia’s requirements to defeat current and emerging threats. Australia has committed to 72 F-35A aircraft for three operational squadrons at RAAF Base Williamtown and RAAF Base Tindal, and a training squadron at RAAF Base Williamtown. The F-35A is at the forefront of air combat technology. Its advanced sensors and data fusion will allow it to gather more information and share it with other Air Force aircraft, Navy ships and Army units quicker than ever before. This will greatly enhance the Australian Defence Force’s situational awareness and combat effectiveness. In addition, to greatly enhanced situational awareness, the F-35A provides its pilots with significantly higher levels of lethality and survivability in combat.
