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| F-35 Lightning II JSF (File Photo) |
The $1.477 billion New Air Combat Capability Facilities Project has been referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence Darren Chester announced today.
Mr Chester said the facilities project supported the acquisition of 72 new F-35A Joint Strike Fighter aircraft.
“This project will provide new and upgraded facilities and infrastructure at RAAF Bases Williamtown, Tindal, Townsville, Darwin, Curtin, Scherger, Learmonth, Pearce and Edinburgh, and Defence Establishment Myambat,” Mr Chester said.
“The project will provide 3 Squadron, 2 Operational Conversion Unit and 77 Squadron at RAAF Base Williamtown, and 75 Squadron at RAAF Base Tindal with the facilities they need to train, operate and maintain the F35-A aircraft.
“This project will offer strong economic benefits for local industry across the country, predominantly in the Newcastle and Katherine regions, with potential involvement for local sub-contractors to be part of the development,” he said.
Subject to Parliamentary approval of the project, construction is expected to begin in 2015 and be completed by 2022.
The F-35A will provide Australia with a fifth generation aircraft capability to enable air superiority into the future.