A new facility has opened at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia, which is set to become a regional hub for the maintenance and sustainment of aircraft for the ADF and its partners.
The $200 million Deep Maintenance Modification Facility (DMMF) will enable long-term, deep maintenance and modification of the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft in Australia, significantly enhancing operational readiness.
The P-8A Poseidon is a cornerstone of Australia's airborne anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and search-and-rescue capability, delivering vital maritime and overland intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
Officially opening the DMMF at RAAF Base Edinburgh, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles said the facility demonstrated the Government's commitment to delivering the priorities of the 2026 National Defence Strategy and the Integrated Investment Program.
"This facility is a critical investment in Australia's ability to maintain and sustain key Defence capabilities at home," Mr Marles said.
"By embedding deep maintenance and upgrade work for the P-8A Poseidon fleet in Australia, we are strengthening sovereign capability, improving force readiness and reducing reliance on overseas sustainment, exactly as set out in the National Defence Strategy."
The DMMF represents a long-term investment in Australia's sovereign defence industrial base, as well as a significant investment to the local economy.
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said the DMMF was a substantial boost for Australian industry and jobs.
"This facility is about more than infrastructure, it is about Australian industry, Australian workers and Australian skills supporting Australia's national defence," Mr Conroy said.
In addition to supporting the ADF fleet aircraft, the DMMF will play a key role in strengthening regional partnerships.
In a significant step for Anzac interoperability, the Royal New Zealand Air Force will also undertake deep maintenance for its fleet of P-8A aircraft at the South Australian facility from 2028 - further reinforcing a shared commitment to regional security and collective maritime capability.
Read the ministerial media release.
