$1.1billion boost for Tindal to accomodate F-35As and Americans

Prime Minister Scott Morrison visited RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory last week to announce a new $1.1billion upgrade to accomodate F-35As and Americans.

CAPTION: Prime Minister Scott Morrison meets with Royal Australian Air Force personnel during a visit to RAAF Base Tindal, where he announced a new $1billion upgrade. Photo by Corporal Jessica de Rouw.

Prime Minister Morrison said the government had approved a further $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.

“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,” Mr Morrison said.

“It will be integral to our Alliance with the United States, and increase the reach of air-force capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.

“As part of these upgrades, RAAF Base Tindal will be able to deliver enhanced air-to-air refuelling and air support capabilities, ensuring we can support critical ADF operations – everything from air-combat missions through to responding to natural disasters both at home and throughout our region.”

Under the redevelopment projects, $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 $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.

Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said RAAF Base Tindal was one of our most important Defence bases.

“The 2016 Defence White Paper identified northern Australia as strategically important, both for national defence and as a forward base for regional engagement,” Minister Reynolds said.

Subject to Parliamentary approval, construction is expected to commence from mid this year, with completion expected by the end of 2027.

Prime Minister Morrison and Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price visited Tindal last week to open the recently completed $495 million New Air Combat Capability facility, which will support Australia’s F-35A Joint Strike Fighter at RAAF Base Tindal in the years ahead.

Further detail on the proposed new works at RAAF Base Tindal can be found here.

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