The Northern Territory and northern Australia are strategically important to the defence of Australia and to supporting the Australian Defence Force operations in the region.
The Northern Territory is home to 10% of Australia’s permanent Defence Force personnel, across Army, Navy and Air Force.
The Territory’s total Defence population (including personnel and their families) is approximately 15 000. The Defence Community make a significant contribution to the wider community and the Northern Territory economy.
The Northern Territory boasts:
70% of Australia’s Abrams Main Battle Tanks
77% of Australia’s Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters
70% of Australia’s Armidale Class Patrol Boats
A squadron of FA18 Hornet fighters.
Defence recurrent expenditure in the Northern Territory is more than $1 billion per year, equivalent to 7.9% of the Territory’s state final demand and 6.1% of the total Australian Defence expenditure.
Each year the Territory hosts a number of major Defence exercises, including Pitch Black, Talisman Sabre, Arnhem Thunder and Exercise Kakadu (held biennially).