January 2022 newsletter

2021 finished on a high note with the arrival of the first four F-35A Lightening II Joint Strike Fighters at RAAF Base Tindal. This fifth-generation multirole fighter jet fleet replaces the F/A-18A/B Classic Hornet that was operated by No. 75 Squadron for 33 years.

Currently there is over $1 billion being invested into the redevelopment of RAAF Base Tindal, along with the KC-30A Facilities Project which will support the capacity of the Multi Role Transport Tanker for US and Australian operations.

As the Minister for Defence, the Hon Peter Dutton MP, stated in November 2021 the F-35A equipped 75 Squadron will capitalise on frequent opportunities to bolster interoperability with US rotational aircraft deployments, and other Enhanced Air Cooperation activities that will take place in the Top End as announced at AUSMIN.

We would like to acknowledge the efforts of Fuel Calibration Services, RGM Maintenance and Territory Instruments in becoming the latest, and only, Lockheed Martin Assigned-Product Support Providers in Northern Australia.

In December, celebrations were also had in acknowledging Harry Carr of Sage Automation - the Australian Industry and Defence Network NT (AIDN-NT) 2021 Defence Young Achiever. This award recognises Harry’s involvement in the Fuel Farm control system upgrade at RAAF Base Darwin, where he developed from a graduate engineer to a system engineer, and will now be working on critical defence infrastructure projects in years to come.

As the country starts to open up we will see more industry events and initiatives taking place both locally and interstate, including the upcoming Indo-Pacific maritime exposition in May 2022, where businesses are invited to express interest in forming part of a NT maritime industry delegation.  More information below.

On behalf of ICN-NT, Crowley and Saunders International, we are pleased to provide the following information on the upcoming opportunities with the US Bulk Fuel Storage project in Darwin.

Saunders International Ltd was awarded the contract for the design and construction of eleven jet fuel tanks for Crowley Solutions’ U.S. Defence fuels facility in Darwin. In addition to this design and construction works Saunders will provide the “EPCM” management services and construction expertise to develop the balance of plant works packages for the project.

The project has been awarded by the U.S. Defence Logistics Agency-Energy to Crowley, a global solutions provider based in the U.S., for the provision of fuel management and storage services for Pacific military operations. The new fuel storage facility will be built at East Arm at the Land Development Corporation's future bulk liquids area site in Darwin. The project is forecast to be completed over the next two years and will support the U.S. Defence operations in the Indo Pacific region. With a capacity of 300 million litres of aviation grade JP-5 turbine fuel and commercial grade Jet A-1 fuel, the facility will be the largest fuel storage project in the Northern Territory once built. The project is expected to create 400 construction jobs and 20 ongoing roles.

To view expected work packages to be listed on ICN Gateway and to subscribe for project updates via the 'General Updates' work package, visit the project's page US Bulk Fuel Storage Facility

Registration is essential to attend the briefings to ensure that catering and COVID 19 safety measures and plans can be adhered to.

When: Monday 17 January, 3pm ACST

Where: Hilton Darwin, Grand Ballroom, 32 Mitchell Street

RSVP: by COB Friday 14 February

Registration: Online registration link

DefenceNT will lead an industry delegation to INDO-PACIFIC 2022, the signature maritime industry event in the Indo-Pacific region, where maritime and naval suppliers can promote their capability’s to key defence and industry decision makers.

Naval infrastructure and platforms are undergoing major upgrades and new platforms, like the Arafura-class offshore patrol vessels and Army amphibious craft, will have a significant presence in Darwin and northern Australia in years to come.

DefenceNT invites Territory businesses who service and supply to the maritime sector to consider INDO-PACIFIC 2022 as an opportunity to promote their capabilities, at a time where the NT is becoming a major forward operating base within the Indo-Pacific Region.

The international maritime exposition will be held in Sydney, NSW from 10-12 May 2022. For more information visit INDO PACIFIC 2022 International Maritime Exposition : SYDNEY : AUSTRALIA : 10-12 MAY 2022 (indopacificexpo.com.au)

Please submit a filled and signed Expression of Interest form to the Industry Engagement team on defencent@nt.gov.au by COB Friday 28 January 2022 to be considered. EOIs will be competitively assessed. DefenceNT is working cloesly with event organisers to monitor the Covid-19 situation.

ICN Gateway is an essential tool for businesses interested in participating in defence projects. Current opportunities in the NT include:

J0109 Larrakeyah Defence Precinct Redevelopment Program

EST00346 Tindal  Redevelopment / EST00347 KC-30A Facilities

USFPI Northern Territory Training Areas & Ranges Project

AMENTUM Projects

Australian Defence Export Office (upcoming Team Defence Australia tradeshows)

US Bulk Fuel Storage Facility

‘Defence ready’ online seminar series - Defence Industry Business Continuity Essentials

This seminar is relevant to all levels, from Explorer to Expert. The reliability of the defence supply chain is critical to an enduring defence capability. SMEs need to be aware of their responsibility to ensure continuity of service delivery and their obligations to meet schedule and budget demands under adverse circumstances. Course runs online 1 March 2022 to 17 May 2022.

Expressions of interest close: 21 February 2022

Defence Industry Business Continuity Essentials – Hunter Defence

9th Northern Australian Defence Summit

The Australian Defence Magazine, Informa Australia and the Northern Territory Government will host the 9th Northern Australia Defence Summit in Darwin in the first half of this year (date TBC).

The Summit brings together Australian and international defence and industry leaders to participate in a policy driven discussion around strategic sovereign maritime capability in the North; strengthening local defence industry to support the development of the defence estate and infrastructure; and assess Northern Australia’s strategic importance.

For more information visit: Northern Australia Defence Summit – ADM Events

How can DefenceNT help your business?

DefenceNT plays a key role in helping to grow and promote the Northern Territory’s defence industry. Our Industry Engagement team work one-on-one with businesses to develop initiatives and strategies to enter the defence market, increase defence business maturity and facilitate access to opportunities through engagement with Department of Defence, Australian Defence Force (ADF) and prime contractors.

DefenceNT also works to shape the defence and national security discussion and bring focus to the geostrategic importance of the NT.

To request a time to meet with DefenceNT please email defencent@nt.gov.au