A computer rendering of what the new hanger will look like. Image: SA Government
THE Australian Defence Force is building a new maintenance facility for RAAF surveillance aircraft to ensure work is done in country.
Construction has begun on a $200m four-bay hangar in northern Adelaide adjacent to Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Edinburgh and overseas by the SA Government.
The 240 metre long, 60 metre wide, 25 metre high, hangar will be almost 50 per cent longer than Adelaide Oval. Construction is due to finish in mid-2026.
Federal Defence Minister Pat Conroy says the facility “will allow us to maintain, repair and overhaul RAAF aircraft in north Adelaide, reducing our reliance on offshore maintenance services”.
“This project reflects the Government’s commitment to building Australia’s sovereign defence industrial base,” he says.
Attributable to SA Premier Stephen Mullighan, the project will enable SA to become the home of aircraft maintenance for this part of the RAAF fleet.
“Because of our investment, for the first time, the Defence Force will be able to modify and maintain its fleet of Boeing military aircraft on Australian soil,” he says.
Boeing Defence Australia Managing Director Amy List says the maintenance, repair and overhaul work will create more than 50 new Boeing jobs.
BESIX Watpac is designing and building the facility that will include the four-bay hangar, offices, workshops, stores, amenities areas and plant rooms.
BESIX Watpac CEO Mark Baker says it is a thrill to be partnering with the State Government for the first time on such a project.
The new 2.1-hectare purpose-built facility will be built on a 16-hectare parcel of land owned by the South Australian Government with a tow-way to connect it to RAAF Base Edinburgh.
The project will enable the long-term deep maintenance and modification of the RAAF’s P8-A maritime patrol aircraft and E-7A Wedgetail aircraft, both based on a Boeing 737 airframe.
About 450 construction jobs are forecast during the two-year build and the facility is expected to support around 50 new highly skilled jobs such as mechanical, avionics and structural engineers, painters and ground servicing equipment trades.
