The next stage of the work, called project R8099, are now due to start from the middle of next year but there are some hurdles to navigate first.

The upgrade works, worth almost $1 billion in total, have been a major economic fillip for Katherine over the past three years.

The next stage of the upgrade works is still to be formally approved.

Already the major contractor on the base, Lendlease, has hinted its workforce would be reduced in coming months waiting on approval of the next stage of work from the Federal Government.

Hundreds of workers have employed over recent years on upgrading the base, chiefly to prepare for the arrival of the Joint Strike Fighters from 2022.

Tindal is to receive 16 of the super stealthy F-35A's at a combined cost of about $2 billion to replace its ageing squadron of F/A-18A/B Hornets.

Tenders have already been formalised for R8099, stage 6 of the works at Tindal.

A Defence Department spokeswoman told Katherine Times the latest project was "still in the development phase".

It is planned to progress for Government consideration later this year.

"Following the proposed Government approval, Defence will then refer the project to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works for consideration and subsequent Parliamentary approval in early 2020," the spokeswoman said.

"The works are scheduled to commence from mid-2020 and forecast to be complete by late 2027."

The proposed project is to upgrade critical base infrastructure, trunk engineering services (power, water and sewage) and some accommodation to ensure reliability of essential base services.

"This project is part of a larger program of works which will also involve upgrades to the RAAF Base Tindal airfield and associated infrastructure to support Air Force capability. The 2016 Defence Integrated Investment Program has identified around $200 - $300 million for the RAAF Tindal Redevelopment."

Tindal's runway is to be upgraded will be built to accept the KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport.

"The solution to the objective will aim to increase Runway 14/32 length, width, shoulders and strength. In addition a realignment and upgrade of Taxiway A, a new air movement terminal, new aircraft apron, new fuel farm and associated other infrastructure services is to be provided to efficiently operate KC-30A in addition to the existing use by 75SQN and other transiting aircraft," tender documents state.

It will be compatible with refuelling the P-8A Poseidon surveillance aircraft and F-35A Lightning II when these aircraft enter service.

The Federal Government has purchased seven new MQ-4C Triton drones worth between $2-$3 billion and RAAF Base Tindal has been named as a forward operating base for the fleet.

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