Construction is about to start on building new facilities to house a fleet of 17 ‘Tiger’ armed reconnaissance helicopters with the 1st Aviation Regiment in Darwin.
Defence Minister Robert Hill said the $75 million project involves the construction of new facilities which will also include maintenance, flightline, command, training and domestic accommodation at Robertson Barracks.
The project is expected to be completed in 2005 and will be home to the 1st Aviation Regiment and the new Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter known as the ‘Tiger’.
Senator Hill welcomed Defence’s decision to award the first civil works construction contract to BMD Constructions Pty Ltd.
The civil works package includes the construction of the helicopter apron and taxi-way as well as underground services, roads and building platforms for the construction of the new facilities.
"This is a major infrastructure project for the Darwin region and the civil works package is the first of seven separate construction packages for the project. The work is expected to provide significant opportunities for small to medium companies, particularly local firms," Senator Hill said.
"The civil works package is budgeted at $7 million and is scheduled to be completed by late September 2004."
A total of 22 new ‘Tiger’ helicopters will be bought by the Australian Defence Force, with the majority being built by Australian Aerospace in Brisbane at a cost of $1.3 billion. Two aircraft are expected to be operating out of Oakey Army Base by the end of the year for training purposes.
Senator Hill said although the contract with Eurocopter had been very complex, he was pleased it was being delivered on time and within budget.
"The new Tiger is the most advanced helicopter of its type in the world and will be a huge boost to Army’s capability. We have never had a helicopter with this sort of capability which includes a 30mm cannon, rockets and hellfire missiles," Senator Hill said.
"The Tiger is a very sophisticated weapons platform and will be used in operations as part of a combined arms team."
