Australia opens $253 million drone facility at RAAF Tindal for northern defense

Australia has opened a major new unmanned aircraft facility at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Tindal in Northern Territory. The AUD 355.7 million (US $253 million) project is designed to enhance the country’s ability to monitor its northern maritime approaches using next-generation drone technology.

Assistant Minister for Defense Peter Khalil officially opened the facility, which will house the MQ-4C Triton surveillance aircraft as part of Australia’s broader strategy to strengthen its northern defense capabilities. 

The facility’s completion demonstrates Australia’s expanding use of advanced unmanned systems for intelligence gathering and maritime surveillance.

The completion of the new MQ‑4C Triton facilities at RAAF Base Tindal marks a major boost to Australia’s northern air power. The $355.7 million AIR7000 Phase 1B Project has delivered purpose‑built facilities to support the MQ‑4C Triton, including: A new hangar Working… pic.twitter.com/Alf8khOkv7— Defence Australia (@DefenceAust) February 11, 2026 Strategic northern positioning

According to Australian Defence, the new facility enables Australia to position high-altitude surveillance drones closer to areas of strategic interest while maintaining operational flexibility. The Triton aircraft will be launched and maintained at the Northern Territory base, but operated remotely by aircrew stationed at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia.

Air Commodore Michael Durant, Commander of Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group, explained that the remote operation model allows for greater integration with existing intelligence capabilities. The arrangement enables controllers to access the full range of Australia’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems from a central hub, while positioning aircraft in strategically advantageous locations.

The inland location at Tindal provides operational benefits, beyond strategic positioning. Durant noted that the facility reduces exposure to coastal weather systems that frequently affect northern Australia, while still maintaining a northern operating position within the country’s primary area of strategic interest.

Economic and strategic investment

Construction of the facility began in May 2023. The project injected more than $166 million into Northern Territory businesses through various work packages, with significant portions directed to Indigenous subcontractors.

The facilities include purpose-built maintenance hangars, new airfield pavements, working accommodations and supporting infrastructure specifically designed for the Triton’s operational requirements. Wing Commander Neale Thompson, commanding officer of 9 Squadron, described the completion as providing a permanent home, designed with personnel needs in mind.

Operational capabilities

The MQ-4C Triton delivers a significant advancement in Australia’s surveillance capabilities, offering extended range and endurance for maritime monitoring missions. The system’s ability to operate independently from various locations provides flexibility in responding to evolving security challenges across Australia’s vast northern approaches.

Khalil emphasized the facility’s role in supporting priorities outlined in Australia’s 2024 National Defense Strategy, particularly the focus on strengthening northern bases and enhancing defensive capabilities. The minister highlighted the collaborative nature of the project, describing it as a coordinated effort between defense officials, industry partners and military personnel working toward common national security objectives.

The newly formed 9 Squadron will occupy the facility with support from contractor Northrop Grumman Australia, which provides maintenance and technical services for the Triton program.

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