The recent completion of the new MQ‑4C Triton facilities at RAAF Base Tindal is a major boost to Australia's northern air power and marks a significant milestone for Defence with the introduction of next‑generation uncrewed capability.
Opened by Assistant Minister for Defence Peter Khalil, the $355.7 million AIR7000 Phase 1B Project has delivered purpose‑built facilities to support the MQ‑4C Triton, including maintenance hangars, new airfield pavements, working accommodation and essential supporting infrastructure.
During the opening ceremony, Mr Khalil praised the collaboration between Defence and industry partners, acknowledging their essential role in strengthening Australia's defence posture.
"What you see here is a whole‑of‑country effort," Mr Khalil said.
"Industry, Defence, contractors and our men and women in uniform working together towards a common goal - protecting our national interests."
Commencing construction in May 2023, the project was designed by BVN architects and delivered by Sitzler Pty Ltd, with Jacobs Pty Ltd engaged as the project manager and contract administrator. The project injected more than $166 million into Northern Territory businesses through awarded work packages, with a significant amount directed to Indigenous subcontractors.
Mr Khalil highlighted that this milestone ensured Defence was better positioned to deliver on the priorities outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy, such as strengthening northern bases and enhancing Defence's ability to respond to evolving security challenges.
"The defence of Australia's national interests depends on our ability to protect and monitor the northern maritime approaches," Mr Khalil said.
"The work the Tritons will do contributes directly to the security and stability of our region, and that underpins the prosperity of our nation as a trading country."
'It provides us with our permanent home at RAAF Base Tindal - a facility that has been designed, conceived and built with our people in mind, and will serve the squadron for many years to come.'
While the Triton aircraft will be operated remotely by aircrew from 9 Squadron based at RAAF Base Edinburgh, they will be launched, recovered and maintained at RAAF Base Tindal. The newly formed squadron will occupy the facility, supported by Northrop Grumman Australia.
Commander Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group Air Commodore Michael Durant stated that a key attribute of the MQ-4C Triton was its ability to operate independently, and from a range of locations.
"The Triton does not need the controllers to be co-located with the aircraft itself," Air Commodore Durant said.
"Our intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) hub at RAAF Base Edinburgh provides the ideal location for 9 Squadron aircrew to access and integrate with our full range of ISR capabilities."
Air Commodore Durant emphasised that the new facilities were established at RAAF Base Tindal for several key reasons, including enabling operations within our primary area of strategic interest and supporting the priorities outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy.
"Locating the aircraft inland at RAAF Base Tindal provides a northern operating position while also reducing our exposure to the coastal weather systems that frequently affect northern Australia," Air Commodore Durant said.
Commanding Officer 9 Squadron Wing Commander Neale Thompson said the completion of the new facility also marked an important milestone for the squadron.
"It's incredibly satisfying to see this facility finished," Wing Commander Thompson said.
"It provides us with our permanent home at RAAF Base Tindal - a facility that has been designed, conceived and built with our people in mind, and will serve the squadron for many years to come."
