Australia begins northern airbase remediation

A refuel is conducted on a Royal Australian Air Force E/A-18G Growler at RAAF Base Darwin during Exercise ‘Talisman Sabre 2023'. (Department of Defence, Commonwealth of Australia )

Australia is starting to resurface the runway at a key air force base in its Northern Territory. The project is aligned with Australia's effort to strengthen military presence in its northern maritime approaches.

The Australian Department of Defence (DoD) said on 13 August that a “significant package” of resurfacing works for the runways at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Darwin will begin this week and continue until late 2024.

The AUD200 million (USD129.6 million) programme also includes resurfacing at Darwin International Airport, which is adjacent to RAAF Base Darwin. The DoD said the programme will help support military and civilian air traffic into the Northern Territory to at least 2040. “These essential works will ensure the integrity of runways and taxiways and the safety of aircraft and passengers,” the DoD said.

Australia's Defence Strategic Review (DSR) 2023, issued in April, said enhancing the presence of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in the country's northern maritime approaches is a critical requirement.

“We must posture for the protection of Australia and for integrated defence and deterrence effects in our immediate region,” it said. “The key line of forward deployment for the ADF stretches across Australia's northern maritime approaches.”

The Australian DoD had not responded to Janes questions about RAAF Base Darwin facility enhancements at the time of publication.