The first aircraft have arrived at the newly built Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility (DMMF) adjacent to RAAF Base Edinburgh, marking the beginning of a new era of sovereign defence capability in Australia.

One of Australia’s P‑8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft has been positioned outside the recently completed DMMF, symbolising the formal transfer of the $200 million state‑of‑the‑art facility following the completion of all construction and fit‑out works.

Renewal SA led the delivery of the facility, working in close partnership with the Commonwealth Department of Defence, Defence SA, Boeing and construction partner BESIX Watpac.

Speaking at an opening event attended by military and government officials, Renewal SA Executive Director Michael Wood said the DMMF was the largest standalone project ever undertaken by Renewal SA.

“We are determined it won’t be our last,” Mr Wood said.

Mr Wood reflected on the pace at which the facility was delivered, following South Australia being nominated as the preferred location in 2021.

“By 2023, Renewal SA had gone to market seeking construction partners. Just a few years later, we are here marking the commencement of operations,” he said.

“What has been achieved here is a testament to the collaboration between all levels of government and the private sector.”

Air Vice‑Marshal Gerry van Leeuwen, Head of Aerospace Systems Division for the Royal Australian Air Force, said the opening marked an important step forward for our sovereign military capability.

Boeing Defence Australia Managing Director Amy List echoed those sentiments, pointing to a new chapter in Australia’s aerospace capability.

Now under the management of Boeing Defence Australia, in partnership with the Commonwealth Government, the DMMF will support the long‑term maintenance and modification requirements of the Australian Defence Force’s fleet of RAAF P‑8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft and RAAF E‑7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft.

The facility will also support comprehensive maintenance and repair for New Zealand Defence Force P‑8A Poseidon aircraft.

Renewal SA will retain ownership of the facility, which is leased to the Commonwealth Department of Defence for an initial 30‑year term, with two 10‑year extension options.

Construction officially began on the 2.1‑hectare facility in 2024. Around 450 jobs were supported during construction, with more than 1,000 workers passing through the site over the two‑year build.

Mr Wood said construction was completed in just under two years, with more than 100 workers on site each day.

During construction, 190,000 tonnes of fill were delivered to site, 8,100 cubic metres of concrete were poured, and an 1,800‑tonne structural steel frame was erected.

“We are proud to have supported South Australian industry wherever possible, including the Whyalla Steelworks, which supplied more than half of the structural steel used in this facility,” Mr Wood said.

Late last year, four giant hangar doors, each almost the size of an Olympic swimming pool were assembled and installed, enabling internal fit‑out works to commence.

Finishing works were completed over the past two months, including fencing, landscaping and furnishing for approximately 80 workers who will be based at the site.

Mr Wood said the completion of the project reflected Renewal SA’s capability in supporting South Australia’s defence future.

“It stands as a clear demonstration not only of what South Australia is capable of today, but of what lies ahead, a future underpinned by a strong and growing defence industry,” he said.

“We hope Renewal SA can continue to be part of that future.”