SOUTH AUSTRALIA
In a significant boost to South Australia’s defence industry and Australia’s sovereign capability, American and New Zealand aircraft are set to undergo specialist maintenance upgrades at the state’s $200 million Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility (DMMF), which is currently being built adjacent to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Edinburgh in northern Adelaide.
United States Navy’s MQ-4C Triton aircraft fleet will undergo comprehensive maintenance, repair and overhaul while the New Zealand Defence Force has also confirmed a similar intent for their fleet of P-8A Poseidon aircraft.
These initiatives support the delivery of the priorities outlined in the Defence Industry Development Strategy, strengthening the Sovereign Defence Industry Priority Number 1 – Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul and Upgrade of Australian Defence Force (ADF) and trusted partner aircraft in Australia, said South Australian Minister for Defence and Space Industries, Stephen Mullighan.
“The DMMF facility is an important partnership between the State and Federal Governments that will attract more defence projects and add further jobs to SA’s growing aerospace sector,” said the Minister.
“The South Australian Government is working closely with the Commonwealth to deliver the critical infrastructure necessary to meet the aircraft sustainment needs of the ADF and our trusted allies.
“This initiative will strengthen opportunities for local supply chains, generate highly-skilled jobs in South Australia and bolster our nation’s industrial capability to ensure we are equipped to meet future demands.”
He said the project demonstrates South Australia’s capacity to support complex aerospace sustainment operations and highlights the benefit of close cooperation between Australian defence industry, our international partners and South Australian Government.
Significantly, the servicing will inject up to $160 million into the local economy; and create and sustain 80 highly skilled jobs across Adelaide, supporting local businesses and fostering innovation within defence industry, said Mr Mullighan.
The DMMF facility at RAAF Base Edinburgh is expected to be complete mid-2026.
