Military aircraft from the United States and New Zealand will soon undergo specialist maintenance at the Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility (DMMF), being delivered by Renewal SA.
This purpose-built facility, being built adjacent to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Edinburgh, is designed to enhance Australia’s sovereign capability by enabling local deep maintenance and modification of defence aircraft, removing the need to send them overseas.
In a significant development, the Australian Government Department of Defence has announced the United States Navy’s MQ-4C Triton fleet will also undergo comprehensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul at the nearby RAAF Base.
Tim Tape, Development Director of Industrial and Defence at Renewal SA, said he was proud to support what promised to be a strategically significant facility.
“This is another significant milestone for South Australia, positioning us as a key player in Australia’s defence industry and showcasing our ability to support our sovereign industrial capabilities,” Mr Tape said.
“The DMMF facility will not only create highly skilled jobs and inject vital investment into the local economy, but it will also open up new opportunities to support our Defence Force in the future.
“The work we're doing is vital, impactful, and something we can all be incredibly proud of.”
Construction of the $200 million facility began in August 2024, in partnership with BESIX Watpac.
Initially designed to support the long-term maintenance and modification needs of the Australian Defence Force’s RAAF P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft and RAAF E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft, the facility’s scope has now expanded to support allied defence operations as well.
“This is the biggest direct delivery project undertaken by Renewal SA, and our dedicated team is on track to deliver the facility on time and on budget by mid next year,” Mr Tape added.
This expanded role of the DMMF is expected to inject an additional $160 million into South Australia’s economy and create 80 highly skilled jobs in Adelaide.
The Commonwealth Government selected South Australia as the preferred location for the DMMF in 2021, highlighting the state’s strategic importance.
The DMMF remains on track for completion by mid-2026.