Texas company SLSCO has been awarded a contract for the construction of an aircraft parking apron and supporting facilities at RAAF Base Darwin.
The contract is worth US$239 million and the works are expected to be completed by December 2027.
On 3 March, logistics officials from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) toured Australia’s north with the aim of identifying strategically relevant bases and potential operating sites for logistical support and sustainment of forces.
“From a logistics perspective, sustainment of northern Australia has primarily been from areas in the south, which would experience long supply-chain challenges,” Director General Logistics for RAAF Air Commodore, Sandy Turner, said.
For the week-long duration of the tour, a number of potential sites were visited including RAAF Darwin.
The Defence Strategic Review emphasises the importance of Australia’s northern bases to the nation’s security.
Upgrading and developing the northern bases network will involve $2 billion for air bases stretching from RAAF Base Learmonth through to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, in the Northern Territory, and in northern Queensland; $1 billion for upgrades to land and joint estate capabilities; $600 million in maritime estate investments including HMAS Coonawarra, HMAS Cairns and the Harold E. Holt Naval Communication Station; and $200 million to accelerate and add scope to other unspecified projects.