The importance of the Tindal RAAF Base to US-Australian military strategy was made clear again this week.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The US Navy is in the process of sending two MQ-4C Triton drones to its Pacific base in Guam on what is said to be their first overseas deployment.
Defence analysts say the deployment is being monitored closely by the RAAF.
The drones are said to be key to counter China's military moves in the region.
The Federal Government has already purchased six of the new drones in a deal worth $5 billion and Tindal has been named as a forward operating base for the fleet.
"The MQ-4C Triton Remotely Piloted Air System will be operated from RAAF Base Edinburgh (Adelaide), with a forward operating base for launch and recovery of the aircraft at RAAF Base Tindal," a defence spokeswoman told Katherine Times.
Maintenance hangars, aircraft aprons, warehousing, high power engine run up area, training support facilities and infrastructure connections are being built at Tindal.
The Tritons are large, almost 15 metres in length with a wingspan of 40 metres with a maximum speed of almost 600kmh and can stay aloft for more than a day.
The unmanned and unarmed Triton is a high altitude, long endurance aircraft that will be used for maritime patrol and other surveillance roles.
The Federal Government also said last year the drones would "significantly enhance our anti-submarine warfare and maritime strike capability, as well as our search and rescue capability."
Supporting missions up to 24 hours, the Triton is equipped with a sensor suite that provides a 360-degree view of its surroundings, for over 2000 nautical miles.
The Triton platform has been under development by the United States Navy since 2008.
The first aircraft will be delivered to Australia in 2023 and the last in 2025.
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday at 6am from the Katherine Times. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.