RAAF Base Williamtown is one step close to getting new Hawk fighter simulators and an overhaul of its air traffic control systems after the defence department pledged $50 million to continue investigating the projects.
Two projects, the lead-in-fighter and air traffic management and control system, were flagged last September in a Defence plan, which predicts major equipment initiatives for the defence force up until 2021.
Now the Minister for Defence, Stephen Smith, has announced the projects, which encompass Williamtown and other Australian bases, have further approval and have secured almost $50 million funding.
A department of defence spokeswoman said while how much would be spent at Williamtown could not be disclosed, they did confirm work had begun for the lead-in-fighter project.
"Project concept development work has already begun. Assuming final government approval of the project, any infrastructure or building work (that affects RAAF Williamtown) might commence later 2013 at the earliest," she said.
A date for work on replacing the air traffic control systems at Williamtown has not been announced but the defence spokeswoman said they could be operating during either the 2014/15 or 2016/17 financial years.
Email a friend