The first stage of a $200-million defence project has completed and SA steel is playing a major role in the build.
The Whyalla Steelworks is providing more than half of the 1800 tonnes needed for the megastructure project—Renewal SA’s 2.1ha Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility.
BESIX Watpac has now completed the steel skeleton for the defence aircraft modification facility at Edinburgh, north of Adelaide. Work began in August.
SA development director of industrial and defence Tim Tape said that within the facility were four main trusses, each weighing about 130 tonnes “which in itself is staggering”.
“It takes three cranes to lift one, over 2000 productive hours of fabrication to make one, and 2000 productive hours to paint one, using 3000 litres of paint. That’s just one truss,” he said.
Builders are now weatherproofing the project—roofs of three hangars, the warehouse, office and workshops have been added.
The project is expected to complete in mid-2026.
The facility comprises four aircraft hangar bays to support maintenance and modification for Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft and E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft.
The P8s, variants of the Boeing 737, from late 2026 will arrive at the neighbouring RAAF Base Edinburgh, taxi to a nearby defueling station, and then be towed to the facility to undergo a modification program.
It will be the first time the P8s can undergo deep maintenance without being sent to the US.
In a boost to Australia’s defence industry and sovereign capability, the New Zealand Defence Force P-8A Poseidon fleet aircraft will also undergo comprehensive maintenance, repair and overhaul at the facility, while US Navy MQ-4C Triton aircraft will undergo repair at the RAAF Base Edinburgh.
Renewal SA will take over the building at completion and lease it to the Commonwealth Department of Defence for 30 years with two 10-year extension options.
The State Commission Assessment Panel in South Australia granted planning approval for the project in September of 2023.
