A major milestone has been reached in the construction of South Australia’s landmark Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility (DMMF), with the steel frame of the expansive four-bay aircraft hangar now complete.

More than 60 per cent of the 1,800 tonnes of structural steel used in the frame was sourced from the Whyalla Steelworks, reinforcing the state’s commitment to sovereign capability, local industry and advanced manufacturing.

Located adjacent to RAAF Base Edinburgh in northern Adelaide, the use of Whyalla steel in the $200 million DMMF project builds on a $2.4 billion commitment by the Australian and South Australian governments to revitalise the Whyalla Steelworks and secure Australia’s sovereign steel supply chain.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said the project is a direct result of strong collaboration between state and federal governments to maximise South Australian industry, jobs and economic development.

“We have been working in close partnership with the Prime Minister and his government to deliver for South Australians,” said Premier Malinauskas.

“This facility at Edinburgh is a key example of how that partnership is yielding benefits – an enormous new facility, that will sustain hundreds of long term secure defence jobs for South Australians, using structural steel produced right here in South Australia.”

Once operational, the DMMF will be the only facility of its kind in Australia, purpose-built to support deep maintenance and modification of the Royal Australian Air Force’s Boeing 737 variant aircraft, including the P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft and the E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control platform.

The DMMF will act as a critical enabler of Australia’s sovereign defence capability and will allow the RAAF to conduct complex maintenance, repair, overhaul, and upgrade activities domestically, reducing reliance on overseas facilities and ensuring greater operational readiness.

The facility will also serve as a regional hub for allied aircraft sustainment, with the New Zealand Defence Force signalling its intent to utilise the DMMF for its P-8A Poseidon fleet. The United States Navy’s MQ-4C Triton aircraft will also undergo repairs at thefacility, further cementing South Australia’s role as a strategic defence partner in the Indo-Pacific.

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles said the project exemplifies South Australia’s crucial role in the future of Australia’s defence sector.

“South Australia is central to the growth and development of the Australian Defence Force and Australian defence industry – the Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility is another example of this partnership in action,” said Minister Marles.

“This state-of-the-art facility is supporting hundreds of local jobs through its construction, contributing to the longevity of Whyalla steelworks and once complete, it will see Australian aircraft being maintained in Adelaide by a highly skilled local workforce for decades to come.”

The State Government intends to lease the facility to the Commonwealth Department of Defence for 30 years, with two 10-year extension options.

Boeing Defence Australia will operate the facility, which is expected to generate 450 construction jobs and create 50 ongoing roles in advanced aircraft maintenance, engineering, avionics and logistics.

From shipbuilding in Osborne to defence innovation at Lot Fourteen, and now to advanced aircraft sustainment at Edinburgh, South Australia is leading the way in building a future-ready defence industry.

The DMMF facility is expected to be complete mid-2026.

Read the media release here.