The new Deep Maintenance Modification Facility will support readiness of the Boeing P-8A Poseidons in service with Australia and partner nations.
Australia has opened a new Deep Maintenance Modification Facility (DMMF) at RAAF base Edinburgh for the Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
The location represents an investment of A$200 million and will support P-8As operated by the Royal Australian Air Force and partner nations, says the Department of Defence (DoD).
It adds that the DMFF will enhance operational readiness for the fleet.
“This facility is a critical investment in Australia’s ability to maintain and sustain key Defence capabilities at home,” says defence minister Richard Marles.
“By embedding deep maintenance and upgrade work for the P-8A Poseidon fleet in Australia, we are strengthening sovereign capability, improving force readiness and reducing reliance on overseas sustainment, exactly as set out in the National Defence Strategy.”
The DMMF is likely to play a role in work that will upgrade the RAAF’s P-8A fleet with the type’s Increment 3 Block 2 modifications, which improve the aircraft’s ability to detect and target submarines.
In 2025, the first RAAF P-8A entered the upgrade programme at Boeing’s maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in Jacksonville Florida. In all, two RAAF P-8As will be upgraded at Jacksonville, with the balance at Edinburgh – Australia operates 13 P-8As, with an additional aircraft on order.
The first US Navy P-8A to receive the Increment 3 Block 2 upgrade was recently declared operationally ready.
The DoD adds that from 2028 the Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A fleet will undertake deep maintenance at Edinburgh – the RNZAF operates four P-8As.
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