The construction of the new facilities that will support the introduction of the F-35A Lightning II at RAAF Base Williamtown has commenced.
The project, which is valued at almost $1.5 billion overall, will provide facilities at 10 bases across Australia. Facilities construction work at Williamtown is expected to bring about $950 million worth of work into the Newcastle region, stated Minister for Defence Kevin Andrews. “Over the next seven years, the project will provide welcome investment opportunities that will deliver direct and indirect economic benefits, particularly in the Newcastle region, with the potential for local subcontractors to be part of the construction works,” he said on May 6.
Australia has committed to acquiring 72 aircraft, with the first F-35A due to arrive in late 2018.
