The Australian government will invest up to $11.83 billion over the next 10 years to upgrade military bases and defense capabilities in the Northern Territory.
The investment under the 2024 Integrated Investment Program supports the latest National Defence Strategy.
Pat Conroy, Australian minister for defense industry, said the government is increasing defense spending to provide the Australian Defence Force with updated capabilities to keep the country safe and protect its national interests. He added that investing in the northern bases is critical to Canberra’s force posture readiness.
The planned upgrades include airfield improvements at RAAF Base Tindal to enhance the air refueling operations of the KC‑30A multirole tanker transport aircraft, the redevelopment of the Larrakeyah Defence Precinct, and the establishment of new berthing capabilities for major surface combatants and submarines at HMAS Coonawarra.
The 2024 Integrated Investment Program indicated that the Northern Territory is critical to Australia’s defense architecture. The government said the planned investments aim to contribute to the collective security of the Indo-Pacific.
