RAAF Base Amberley is set to become the operating base for 35SQN and the future fleet of 10 Alenia C-27J Spartan battlefield airlifters that are expected to arrive in Australia in 2015, Air Force News has reported.
The first aircraft are anticipated to initially be based at RAAF Base Richmond when they begin arriving early next year, with the re-established squadron using existing facilities. But subject to the necessary approvals, new supporting infrastructure will be constructed at Amberley to establish a permanent home for 35SQN.
“In light of contemporary circumstances, including Army’s Plan BEERSHEBA, Amberley is the most flexible and efficient basing option to support the full range of C-27J customers,” GPCAPT Steve Young, director of the C-27J Transition Team, was quoted as saying.
“Having the main operating base at Amberley will also improve responsiveness for major deployments through co-location with the C-17 capability.”
The C-130J Hercules transport aircraft is expected to remain at Richmond.
