A new chapter in Malaysian-Australian defence collaboration has begun with a ground-breaking ceremony on Mar. 20 at RMAF Butterworth. The ceremony signified the commencement of the Malaysia – Australia Infrastructure Airfield Works Project (Stage 1). This joint initiative underscores the strong bilateral defence relationship between the two nations, which is underpinned by Australia’s Australian Defence Force (ADF) presence at Butterworth, shared engagement under the Five Power Defence Arrangements, and defence cooperation activities, also known as the Malaysia-Australia Joint Defence Program (MAJDP).
Photo: RMAF
The project is a key component of Australia’s broader Indo Pacific Enhanced Engagement (IPACE) initiative and represents a strategic effort by both Malaysia and Australia to enhance the operational readiness and capabilities of RMAF Butterworth. The infrastructure development focuses on two primary areas: re-developing existing Malaysian facilities that are shared by the ADF, the Malaysian Ministry of Defence, and the Malaysian Armed Forces, and conducting service refresh works on Australian-leased facilities on the base to restore capabilities.
The scope of the project encompasses a wide range of upgrades. Stage 1, which has now commenced, will address Australian-leased facilities, with Stage 2 focusing on the redevelopment of Malaysian facilities. The works include operational and recreational upgrades to airfield pavements, an aeronautical ground lighting upgrade, line marking, and improvements to base drainage. The overall project, drawing from the outlined Main Works packages, is also set to include stormwater infrastructure, ICT infrastructure, incoming potable water supply, fire-fighting infrastructure, and sewerage infrastructure. Furthermore, the project will involve the removal of obstacles, replacing the runway’s threshold, rebuilding the taxiways, and repairs to the runway. Recreational facilities such as a rugby pitch and futsal court, along with an exercise building, are also part of the planned infrastructure upgrades.
Malaysian joint venture Avionic Fajarbaru Joint Venture (AFBJV) has been appointed to execute this significant undertaking. This joint venture comprises Fajarbaru Builder Group Bhd and Avionics Pty Ltd. AECOM is serving as the project supervisor. The project has seen a considerable expansion in scope since the initial contract award on Jul. 10 2023 for the planning phase. The latest contract secured by the JV from the Australian Department of Defence amounts to RM131.6 million, expanding their scope of works. To date, Fajarbaru’s portion of the works is valued at RM115 million, while Avionics’ portion stands at RM70 million.
The timeline for the project indicates that Stage 1 (Australian leased facilities) is expected to be completed by Dec. 8, 2025, while Stage 2 (Malaysian facilities redevelopment) is scheduled for completion by Sept. 1, 2026.
The redevelopment of RMAF Butterworth is viewed as a crucial initiative that will further strengthen the enduring defence cooperation between Malaysia and Australia. By upgrading key infrastructure, the project aims to enhance the preparedness and optimise the operations of the base, benefiting both the Royal Malaysian Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force. This investment underscores the commitment of both nations to maintaining and developing the strategic importance of RMAF Butterworth within the regional security architecture and has the potential to facilitate improved interoperability and joint exercises in the future.