Work has begun on the construction of a massive, four-bay aircraft hangar in northern Adelaide, which will facilitate the maintenance of the Australian Defence Force’s Boeing 737 military aircraft.

The $200 million deep maintenance and modification facility will be built adjacent to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) base in Edinburgh, with construction under the supervision of the state government.

“This state-of-the-art $200 million facility will enable us to maintain, repair and overhaul RAAF aircraft in North Adelaide, reducing our reliance on offshore maintenance services,” said Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Realisation Pat Conroy.

“This means that Australian aircraft will be maintained by Australian workers who will use their skills to ensure RAAF aircraft remain safe in the air for many years to come.”

At 240 metres long, 60 metres wide and 25 metres high, with four bays, the hangar is almost half as long as the Adelaide Oval.

The project will enable long-term, deep maintenance and modification of the Australian Defence Force’s fleet of 737-sized aircraft, including the P8-A maritime patrol aircraft and E-7A Wedgetail aircraft.

Construction has already started and is expected to be completed in mid-2026.

Once completed, the operational facility will enhance Australia’s sovereign capabilities and enable maintenance and modifications to be carried out in Australia rather than having to send aircraft overseas.

It is expected that approximately 450 jobs will be created over the two years of project implementation.

Once completed, the facility is expected to provide approximately 50 new highly skilled jobs, including mechanical, avionics and design engineers, painters and ground support workers.

BESIX Watpac is managing the design and construction works of the hangar, which will include four aircraft hangars, offices, workshops, warehouses, social rooms and production halls.

The new, purpose-built 2.1 hectare facility will be built on a 16 hectare site owned by the South Australian Government and will feature a towpath linking the project area to RAAF Base Edinburgh.