Defence

We are a critical defence and regional security hub

Our geographic location within the Indo-Pacific makes the Northern Territory strategically important for national defence, regional security and prosperity.

Hosting a diverse range of land, maritime and air assets, the Northern Territory plays a crucial role in enabling and supporting the Australian Defence Force (ADF) as well as its allies and partners, fostering regional security collaboration and making it a vital hub for operations, training, maintenance and sustainment.

The defence sector is estimated to account for around 10.2% of the Northern Territory economy, supporting job creation, population growth and a more diversified local industry due to several redevelopments and construction activities. The significant investment in infrastructure over the coming years is key to improving the security posture of Australia and our neighbours.

Current activities

Enhancing basing capability and resilience in the North, Australian Government investment in existing and new defence infrastructure, including air bases, naval facilities and surveillance installations has significantly increased for the Northern Territory in recent years, confirming its position as a critical component of Australia's defence architecture as set out in the 2024 National Defence Strategy.

Over the next decade, the Australian Government has committed to an estimated AU$5.96 billion of approved planned investment projects through the Defence Portfolio Budget Statements.

These projects are providing new and refurbished facilities and infrastructure to support future capability requirements and include:

• RAAF Base Tindal redevelopment airfield and infrastructure works
• upgrades to training areas and ranges
• redevelopment of the Larrakeyah Defence Precinct
• improvements at Robertson Barracks
• RAAF Base Darwin mid-term refresh
• new facilities to support remotely piloted aircraft system at RAAF Base Tindal.

This investment continues to support the growth of the local defence sustainment industry with Territory businesses in areas such as construction, maritime and aerospace becoming key partners in delivering defence programs.

The Northern Territory is central to the United States Force Posture Initiatives (USFPI), including the United States Marine Corps Marine Rotational Force - Darwin (MRF-D). Our expansive landscapes and diverse training environment allow for large-scale, multi-lateral military training and exercises, with the Territory regularly hosting large numbers of personnel, platforms and equipment from international forces.

Supporting northern logistics capabilities

Each year, up to 2,500 United States Marine Corps personnel are stationed in the Northern Territory as part of MRF-D.

Released in 2024, the US Department of Defense's regional sustainment framework outlines its intentions to strengthen regional partnerships by developing sustainment strategies that promote maintenance, repair, and overhaul in-location, and foster collaborative relationships to expand repair network capacity.

The MRF-D presence presents various opportunities for providing local solutions in the region for the maintenance and sustainment of platforms and equipment deployed to Northern Australia, and also for their storage and distribution.

Initiatives in the national Defence strategy also present opportunities for the Northern Territory in sustainment, maintenance, supply, and storage and distribution, including:

• the Australian Army's new littoral manoeuvre capability
• further works at RAAF Bases Darwin and Tindal to support new capabilities
• an enhanced and expanded theatre logistics network
• maritime sustainment through the Regional Maintenance Centres
• Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance storage and distribution.

Northern Territory advantages

• Geostrategic location in the Indo-Pacific and only significant vessel servicing point between Cairns and Perth.
• Large military presence at multiple bases and training areas.
• Strong financial commitment from the Australian Government.
• Established and respected relationships with allies and partners.
• Land available for maritime maintenance and sustainment.
• Established industrial estates to provide logistics solutions.

Opportunities

• New and expanded service and supply facilities proximate to deployment to directly service Defence or prime contractors.
• Leverage the Port of Darwin to streamline supply chains and boost connectivity to road, rail and sea transport to Southern Australian markets.
• Take advantage of the Darwin Ship Lift and Marine Industry Park for maintenance, servicing, engineering, and fabrication.
• Enhance cooperation and interoperability in maritime security, counter terrorism, humanitarian and disaster relief, logistics support, education and training.
• Upskill international workforces with training and education, as well as valuable knowledge exchanges.