Construction has officially commenced on a massive four-bay hangar in northern Adelaide, set to facilitate specialist maintenance for Australia’s Boeing 737 variant military aircraft.
The $200 million Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility (DMMF) will be located adjacent to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Edinburgh base, with oversight from the South Australian Government following an agreement with the Commonwealth Department of Defence.
The project, led by newly appointed construction partner BESIX Watpac, is being built on a 16-hectare site, as revealed in a news release.
The hangar, which spans 240 meters in length, 60 meters in width, and 25 meters in height, will be one of the largest facilities of its kind in Australia.
The project, described as one of the largest construction undertakings by Renewal SA, is designed to support the maintenance and modification of 737-sized aircraft.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Renewal SA for the first time to deliver the DMMF project – drawing on our extensive experience in delivering aviation and defence projects in South Australia,” said BESIX Watpac CEO Mark Baker.
The milestone was marked with official sod-turning and smoking ceremonies at the Womma Road site on 5 September.
The construction phase is expected to generate approximately 450 jobs, while the operational facility will create 50 highly skilled positions, including roles for mechanical, avionics, and structural engineers, painters, and ground servicing trades.
The hangar will be used for the long-term deep maintenance of the RAAF P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft and the RAAF E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft.
Renewal SA has committed to leasing the facility to Defence for 30 years, with options for two 10-year extensions.
“This is one of the most critical projects Renewal SA has undertaken,” said Renewal SA Chief Executive Chris Menz.
“We are thrilled to be playing a lead role on this critical sovereign capability defence asset.”
The project will also see the rezoning of the land from rural horticulture to strategic employment with a Defence overlay, ensuring the long-term protection of RAAF Base Edinburgh from urban encroachment.
Boeing Defence Australia, which will utilise the facility for maintenance under a contract with Defence, sees the project as a significant enhancement of Australia’s sovereign capabilities.
“The maintenance, repair, and overhaul programs to be undertaken in this facility will create more than 50 new Boeing jobs,” said Boeing Defence Australia Managing Director Amy List.
“This will further bolster Australia’s defence capacity and readiness.”
The facility is expected to be completed by mid-2026 and could eventually accommodate international work, strengthening Australia’s Defence infrastructure.
