New $200m defence aircraft facility in northern Adelaide to create hundreds of jobs

A new four-bay aircraft hangar is now under construction in northern Adelaide, adjacent the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Edinburgh Base. 

The $200 million Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility (DMMF) will facilitate the specialist maintenance of the Australian Defence Force’s Boeing 737 variant military aircraft. 

The project is jointly funded by the Australian Government and Government of South Australia, with its construction to be overseen by the State Government. 

“The State Government has a proud history of directly investing in infrastructure to grow our defence industry and this project will see our state 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. 

“The state has a strong track record delivering Defence projects and this will further enhance South Australia’s reputation as a leader in this space,” SA Minister for Defence and Space Industries Stephen Mullighan said. 

The new facility will be 240 metres long, 60 metres wide, and 25 metres high – about 50 per cent longer than Adelaide Oval. It will enable the long-term deep maintenance and modification of the Australian Defence Force’s fleet of 737-sized aircraft, including P8-A maritime patrol aircraft and E-7A Wedgetail aircraft. 

BESIX Watpac has been appointed to undertake the design and construction of the four-bay aircraft hangar as well as offices, workshops, stores, amenities areas and plant rooms. 

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the State Government for the first time to deliver the DMMF project – drawing on our extensive experience in delivering aviation and defence projects in South Australia. 

“BESIX Watpac is committed to building the best projects together with our people and partners and we look forward to delivering another complex infrastructure facility,” BESIX Watpac CEO Mark Baker said. 

“Our South Australian team brings specialist knowledge across both industries that will be invaluable throughout the project delivery. 

“BESIX Watpac always strives to deliver a lasting positive legacy through the projects we deliver to help secure the future of the construction industry in South Australia. We’ll be engaging local subcontractors where possible as well as working together to provide opportunities for trainees and apprentices,” BESIX Watpac General Manager for Victoria and South Australia Al Crosby said. 

Architectural render of the new facility (source: Renewal SA)

The 2.1-hectare purpose-built Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility is being built on a 16-hectare piece of land owned by Renewal SA and connected by a tow-way to the RAAF Base Edinburgh on land owned by the Department of Defence. 

Construction has commenced on the massive facility and is expected to be completed in mid-2026. 

About 450 jobs will be created over the two-year construction period and a further 50 new highly skilled jobs – such as mechanical, avionics and structural engineers, painters and ground servicing equipment trades – once the facility is up and running. 

Once operational, the Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility will enhance the nation’s sovereign capabilities while also enabling maintenance and modifications to be carried out in Australia rather than sending aircrafts offshore. 

“This $200 million, state-of-the-art facility will allow us to maintain, repair and overhaul RAAF aircraft in north Adelaide, reducing our reliance on offshore maintenance services. 

“It means Australian aircraft will be maintained by Australian workers, using their skills to keep RAAF aircraft safely in the skies for years to come. 

“This project reflects the Government’s commitment to building Australia’s sovereign defence industrial base,” Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy said. 

“The maintenance, repair and overhaul programs to be undertaken in this facility will create more than 50 new Boeing jobs, present exciting opportunities to local business and enhance the unmatched capability of the RAAF’s P-8A Poseidon fleet to further bolster Australia’s defence capacity and readiness,” Boeing Australia Managing Director Amy List said. 

Source: Premier of South Australia – News; BESIX Watpac; Renewal SA (1, 2); Australian Government – Defence Ministers; South Australia – The Defence State