F-35 Fighter Expansion Project

  • Project

    F-35 Fighter Expansion Project

  • Client

    BAE Systems

  • Contractor

    DesignInc

  • Sector

    Defence

  • Value

    $210m

  • Location

    Williamtown, NSW

  • Year

    2023

The F-35 Fighter Expansion Project is strengthening Australia’s fifth-generation fighter aircraft capabilities at RAAF Base Williamtown in the Hunter Valley. Its new infrastructure will meet growing operational demands, supporting Australia’s broader commitment to defence readiness and regional job creation.

Delivered by DesignInc on behalf of BAE Systems, this $210 million upgrade aims to increase the precinct’s capacity to support and maintain its F-35 Lightning II fleet — the world’s most advanced fighter jet. Development is rolling out in three key stages, with major construction works scheduled for completion by 2026.

In 2023, DesignInc engaged Tree Survey to deliver specialist arboricultural support during the early planning and construction phases. Our involvement included a Tree Survey and Preliminary Tree Assessment to document the health, structure and significance of existing vegetation.

We followed with an Arboricultural Impact Assessment to evaluate development-related risks, and prepared a Tree Protection Plan to safeguard retained trees throughout site works.

Liaising closely with DesignInc and BAE Systems, Tree Survey played a major role in ensuring critical defence infrastructure could expand efficiently.