South Australia’s new $200 million Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility (DMMF) is set to be completed weeks ahead of schedule, marking a major milestone for the state’s defence sector.

Construction of the multi‑hangar aircraft facility at RAAF Base Edinburgh will finish in early March, more than a month earlier than originally planned.

Shaped by early concept work driven by Defence SA, the project has been led by Renewal SA and BESIX Watpac. Set to be delivered on budget and ahead of schedule, the facility will be handed over to Australia’s Department of Defence for final fit‑outs, before becoming operational mid‑year.

Renewal SA Development Director of Industrial and Defence Tim Tape said the early completion reflected the efficiency and scale of the build.

“We have exceeded all our key milestones for this project,” he said. “Our construction partners are now putting the final touches on the base building works, with practical completion targeted for early March.”

Defence SA played a lead role in advocating for the DMMF’s importance and positioning South Australia as the preferred location for the facility, which will significantly expand Australia’s sovereign capability. Boeing Defence Australia will undertake maintenance and modification of advanced military aircraft at the facility, including the RAAF’s P‑8A Poseidon and E‑7A Wedgetail fleets.

The DMMF will also support New Zealand Defence Force P‑8A aircraft and complement maintenance activity planned for the United States Navy’s MQ‑4C Triton aircraft.

Defence SA CEO Matt Opie said the DMMF is a significant addition to South Australia’s extensive network of defence infrastructure and will drive aerospace development and sustainment in the state.

“South Australia has a strong track record for delivering complex defence infrastructure, and the DMMF is a clear demonstration of that capability,” he said.

“With demand for global aerospace maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services continuing to grow, South Australia is positioning itself to deliver a competitive and sustainable support system.

“The DMMF is a key part of that ambition and reinforces the strategic importance of having this capability onshore.”

Early design engagement and re‑engineering helped accelerate the construction program, supported by digital construction tools and strong collaboration across stakeholders.

Substantive construction on the 2.1‑hectare facility is now complete, including 190,000 tonnes of fill, 8,100 cubic metres of concrete and an 1,800‑tonne structural steel frame, much of it sourced from Whyalla.

Four hangar doors, each nearly the size of an Olympic swimming pool, were installed late last year, enabling internal works to progress rapidly.

The project has generated around 450 construction jobs and will soon support 80 highly skilled defence industry roles in aircraft maintenance, engineering, avionics and logistics. Boeing has already commenced training programs to prepare future employees.

Learn more about the Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility project.