Australia and the United States have taken a major step forward in strengthening joint military capability with the completion of the country's largest and most advanced Marksmanship Training Range at Kangaroo Flats Training Area near Darwin.
Delivered under the $747 million United States Force Posture Initiatives Northern Territory Training Areas and Ranges Project, the new $46.1 million facility will enable marksmanship training for both nations, supporting a wide range of operational scenarios.
The state-of-the-art range features 24 firing lanes with cutting-edge fixed and moving targets extending to 600 metres, and eight sniper lanes capable of reaching 1100 metres. It also supports vehicle-mounted firing and night-vision training, significantly expanding tactical readiness.
The new Marksmanship Training Range is part of a broader upgrade initiative across four Defence training areas in the Northern Territory, with the full project scheduled for completion by mid-2026.
The upgrades reinforce networked and resilient base infrastructure in northern Australia, boosting the Australian Defence Force's ability to deter potential adversaries and deepen international defence cooperation.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil:
"The new range supports a variety of weapons platforms and activities, delivering enhanced training outcomes for the Australian Defence Force and its partners, particularly the United States.
"These upgrades are a critical step in strengthening Defence's capabilities in northern Australia and advancing the Government's ambitious agenda outlined in the Government's 2024 National Defence Strategy.
"This investment reinforces our enduring alliance with the United States, creating new opportunities for joint training and collaboration that enhance capability and interoperability."
Quotes attributable to Special Envoy for Defence, Veterans' Affairs & Northern Australia, Luke Gosling:
"Marksmanship is a core soldier skill and this new range will enable its mastery by both Australian and United States' soldiers.
"This new training facility will provide world-class marksmanship training and increase both interoperability with our partners and military preparedness.
"The completion of this state-of-the-art range shows that the Government continues to successfully deliver key investments in Defence capability, including in Northern Australia."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour:
"I welcome this investment in the electorate of Lingiari and the impact this investment will have on national security.
"Building our defensive capabilities in the Northern Territory has a benefit to local communities, but also works to safeguard our strategic interests."
