More money for Tindal upgrades - this time for drones

This time the base is preparing to host the new MQ-4C Triton remotely piloted aircraft.

The base is already in the middle of a big upgrade, costing between $1-$2 billion, in preparation for the new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

The Triton aircraft will significantly increase Australia’s ability to secure our borders and enhance our anti-submarine warfare and maritime strike capability.

The unmanned aircraft can support missions of over 24 hours while covering an area of over one million square nautical miles; an area larger than Western Australia.

Defence Minister Marise Payne and Senator Nigel Scullion said the Triton will require new hangars, administration and support facilities to be built at Tindal.

“These facilities works will be tendered in a way that will ensure that Northern Territory businesses are best placed to succeed in delivering these facilities,” Senator Payne said.

“The successful prime contractor will be required to implement a Local Industry Capability Plan (LICP) that will ensure small-to-medium businesses in the Northern Territory have the best opportunity to compete and win work.”

“The LICP is a successful Turnbull Government initiative that ensures local businesses can take advantage of the opportunities arising from our Defence infrastructure projects,” Minister Payne said.

Senator Scullion said the Turnbull Government was committed to supporting businesses and workers in the Top End.

“This is the Turnbull Government’s jobs and growth agenda at work. We are investing $8 billion in Defence facilities over the next decade and we are ensuring that local trades and suppliers have every opportunity to participate in this work,” Senator Scullion said.

“This is another demonstration of our commitment to Australia’s long-term national security, and our commitment to supporting Northern Territory business.”

The Government will invest around $250 million at RAAF Base Edinburgh near Adelaide to support the Tritons.