Australia has a strong bilateral defence relationship with Malaysia, underpinned by Australia's ADF presence at Butterworth, shared engagement under the Five Power Defence Arrangements, and defence cooperation activities (AKA Malaysia-Australia Joint Defence Program (MAJDP)).
The RMAF Butterworth Infrastructure Project aims to re-develop existing Malaysian facilities which have shared use between the Australian Defence Force, Malaysian Ministry of Defence and Malaysian Armed Force and to conduct service re-fresh works on Australian-leased facilities on base to restore capabilities.
Construction of the Project commenced in Q2 2023 with the delivery of Minor Works, including a new perimeter fence, access road and installation of CCTV. Main Works construction is expected to commence in Q3 2023, with completion forecast for Q3 2025.
The Main Works will see infrastructure construction across the base. This includes:
- Package One: Stormwater infrastructure, ICT infrastructure, Incoming Potable water supply, firefighting infrastructure and sewerage infrastructure.
- Package Two: Removal of Obstacle Limitation Surfaces Penetration, Rigid Threshold Replacement, Rigid Taxiway Replacement, Runway Repair, Aeronautical Ground lighting upgrade, line marking, base drainage, Rugby pitch, futsal court and exercise building.
Construction completion is expected in 2025.