Australia is moving ahead with plans to upgrade facilities at the Cocos Keeling Islands airport to support operations using P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft (MPA): a move that will significantly extend the country’s surveillance capability in the northern Indian Ocean.
A Department of Defence (DoD) Request for Tender released on 14 June sought planning proposals by 8 August under Project 8129 for the strengthening and widening of runways, taxiways and aprons, improvements to airfield stormwater infrastructure, and refurbishment of airfield ground lighting “to meet [the Department of] Defence’s operational and support requirements”.
The estimated value of the upgrade was put at AUD190–220 million (USD133–154 million).
(Jane's)