NEWS Spyware boost for north
NEW $80 million spy planes could soon be flying over the Territory coast, with the Federal Government deciding to further strengthen Australia’s defence by spending $1.7 billion on five Gulfstream G550 modified intelligence and surveillance aircraft.
The spy plane decision comes at the same time as the announcement by Territory CLP senator Nigel Scullion that RAAF Base Tindal, which is to play a key role in an Asia Pacific hub for the Australian Defence Force’s new joint strike fighter, is to get new ground-based antenna infrastructure to bolster Australia’s space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
The spy planes will be bought from the US and added to six E-7A Wedgetail airborne intelligence gathering jets.
Both the spy planes and ground-based antenna infrastructure will improve the self- defence of both countries.
The US State Department said the sale of the spy planes to Australia would contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the US by helping to improve the security of a major contributor to political stability, security and economic development.
“It is vital to the US national interest to assist Australia in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defence capability,” the State Department said.
The RAAF Base Tindal decision is part of $130 million to be spent on new hi-tech antenna infrastructure at various Defence sites.
Mr Scullion said the spending was welcome news for Territory industry.
“There will be opportunities for local industry to secure Defence contracts relating to construction and maintenance of ground-based antenna infrastructure at RAAF Base Tindal, which will be a big boost for local businesses and jobs.”
He said $500 million was being spent by the Federal Government to improve Australia’s space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities and the NT had a role in that.
“The investment will enhance Australia’s geospatial intelligence capabilities for na- tional security activities and support Australian Defence Force operations around the world and at home, helping to secure our borders,” senator Scullion said.
“Defence’s enhanced access to these satellites will increase our capacity to maintain surveillance and improve situational awareness for the Defence Force and other national security agencies.
“This funding is on top of the $8.2 billion allocated under the 2016 Defence White Paper to upgrade Defence facilities in the Northern Territory.”