The government has announced it is investing nearly $700 million in Townsville to support the new AH-64E Apache helicopters, where they will be based from 2025.
Defence says the investment is another step in improving the Australian Defence Force’s ability to operate from Australia’s northern bases, one of the six priority areas for immediate action identified by the government in response to the Defence Strategic Review.
RAAF Townsville will undergo renovations and new facilities will be constructed to accommodate the Apache attack helicopters and their crews.
Army’s 1st Aviation Regiment will relocate to Townsville incrementally as it continues to operate the ARH Tiger from Darwin until its planned withdrawal from service in 2028.
Defence says the geographic consolidation of industrial support to ADF helicopters will generate 'greater operational reliability' and 'reduce sustainment and flying costs'.
“The Apache is the most advanced attack helicopter operating today. Its introduction into service represents a capability leap for Army," Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said.
“In the past year we have taken a number of difficult and important decisions to improve the Army’s aviation capability.
“Our significant investment in renovated and new facilities at RAAF Townsville will ensure the ADF members and civilians working with Apache have the infrastructure they need to support these important capabilities.”
In Townsville, Boeing Australia will provide maintenance support to the Apache and Chinook helicopters. In Sydney, Nowra and Southeast Queensland, Lockheed Martin Australia and Sikorsky Australia will provide maintenance support to the UH-60M Black Hawk and MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopters.
“The relocation of the 1st Aviation Regiment to Townsville will help Defence sustain the new Apache helicopters more efficiently and effectively, and will mean more high skilled, secure jobs in Townsville,” Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy added.
“The hubs created as a result of consolidating and re-locating our helicopter capabilities will also generate other opportunities for international partners to operate and be supported in Australia.
“Defence-related investment in Darwin will grow over the coming years as new capabilities are moved to the north. This will include investment in major capital facilities and a net workforce growth in the Top End.”