A new Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility, the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, has officially opened at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia, marking a significant expansion of Australia’s aircraft sustainment capability.

The $200 million facility will serve as a regional hub for the maintenance and long-term sustainment of military aircraft for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and partner nations.

Shaped by early concept work driven by Defence SA, the construction project was led by Renewal SA and BESIX Watpac.

The facility will enable long-term deep maintenance of the RAAF’s P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to be carried out onshore by Boeing Defence Australia.

The P-8A Poseidon is a central element of Australia’s defence operations, supporting anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface missions and search and rescue capability.

Boeing will deliver upgrades to the fleet, including an improved combat system, enhanced anti-submarine warfare capability and upgraded satellite communications to improve integration across the ADF.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said the facility was a critical investment in Australia’s ability to maintain and sustain key Defence capabilities domestically.

“By embedding deep maintenance and upgrade work for the P-8A Poseidon fleet in Australia, we are strengthening sovereign capability, improving force readiness, and reducing reliance on overseas sustainment, exactly as set out in the National Defence Strategy,” Minister Marles said.

“Just as importantly, this facility will support a skilled defence workforce and a resilient defence industrial base in South Australia, ensuring our Defence capability and Australian industry can continue to grow together.”

From 2028, the Royal New Zealand Air Force will also maintain and repair its fleet of P-8A aircraft at the South Australian facility, strengthening ANZAC interoperability and joint maritime security capabilities.

The 240-metre-long building has been designed to support a range of platforms, with a focus on Boeing 737-derived aircraft.

The facility includes a four-bay hangar, advanced aircraft docking systems for full-access maintenance, and specialised workshops covering structural, mechanical, avionics and mission systems work.

Secure infrastructure for sensitive equipment upgrades and dedicated logistics spaces will support extended maintenance operations.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said the facility would boost skill development and generate long-term jobs in engineering, avionics and logistics for South Australians.

“Students at The Heights Technical College will graduate not only with their high school certificate and an in-demand trade qualification – they will be able to walk straight into a highly-skilled career in aeroskills at this new facility,” Premier Malinauskas said.

Construction of the facility generated around 450 jobs over two years, with more than half of the structural steel sourced from South Australia’s Whyalla Steelworks.

South Australian Minister for Defence and Space Industries Chris Picton said the facility further reinforces South Australia’s position as the nation’s hub for defence maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and boosts workforce development efforts in the state.

“This partnership between the Albanese and Malinauskas Labor Governments will create ongoing, highly-skilled, secure and well paid jobs in our state for decades to come.”

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Image: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon. Richard Marles, MP, and Head of Aerospace systems Division, Vice-Marshal Gerry van Leeuwin, AM, CSM, stand in a group photo with all the leaders with an interest in the Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility Opening held at RAAF Base Edinburgh. Credit: Department of Defence.