Speaking at the ADM Northern Australia Defence Summit, Pat Conroy, the Minister for Defence Industry and the Pacific announced that the government will expand and accelerate upgrades to Defence’s Northern Bases, Australian Defence Magazine reports.
The works include more upgrades to RAAF Base Tindal that will enable enhanced air refuelling operations by KC‑30A multi-role tanker transport aircraft (MRTT).
New littoral manoeuvre facilities will also be developed in Northern Australia, to accommodate the Australian Army’s new landing craft. This will take place alongside the redevelopment of the Larrakeyah Defence Precinct in Darwin, which will include facilities upgrades and new berthing capabilities to accommodate major surface combatants and submarines at HMAS Coonawarra.
Earlier this year HMAS Adelaide berthed alongside the new Kuru Wharf at HMAS Coonawarra for the first time.
“Investment in our northern bases is a priority for the Albanese Government and critical to an integrated, focused force and boosting Australia’s force posture readiness as outlined in the IIP and National Defence Strategy,” Conroy said during the ADM Northern Australia Defence Summit.
Darwin’s Robertson Barracks, which hosts Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, will also receive more live-in accommodation units to support the US Marines among other improvements. Funding has also been allocated to undertake maintenance at RAAF Base Darwin and the Mount Bundey Airfield.
