RAAF Base Pearce

Summary

Operating Country 🇦🇺 Australia
Location 🇦🇺 Australia
Status Active
UsageDual
Year built1936
Operating OrganizationRoyal Australian Air Force
Units
  • No. 2 Flying Training School
  • No. 25 (City of Perth) Squadron
  • No. 79 Squadron
  • No. 453 Squadron Pearce Flight
  • No. 3 Security Force Squadron Detachment
  • No. 1 Expeditionary Health Squadron Detachment Pearce
  • No. 130 Squadron RSAF

Description

RAAF Base Pearce is situated in Bullsbrook, north of Perth, Western Australia. Constructed between 1936 and 1939, the facility was granted station status on 6 February 1939. It is named after Sir George Pearce, who served as a Senator and Minister for Defence. The base opened with Nos. 14 and 25 Squadrons as its initial resident units. During World War II, it hosted No. 5 Initial Training School under the Empire Air Training Scheme and No. 85 Squadron. In 1964, the base was utilized for a joint Australian and United States research program concerning aero-space disturbances.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) operates the base, which functions as a pilot training installation and a logistics facility on the west coast. The base maintains operational responsibility for RAAF Gingin. RAAF units stationed at the base include No. 2 Flying Training School, which operates PC-21 aircraft, and No. 79 Squadron, which operates Hawk 127 fighter-trainers. Other resident units include No. 25 (City of Perth) Squadron, No. 453 Squadron Pearce Flight, and detachments from No. 1 Airfield Operations Support Squadron, No. 1 Expeditionary Health Squadron, and No. 3 Security Force Squadron.

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has maintained its Flying Training Institute at the base since 1993, with No. 130 Squadron RSAF operating training aircraft on-site. The facility serves as the headquarters for No. 7 Wing and No. 701 Squadron of the Australian Air Force Cadets. Infrastructure includes a Boeing 747 mockup used by the Special Air Service Regiment Tactical Assault Group (West) for counter-terrorism and hostage rescue drills.

Location & Details

Map of RAAF Base Pearce
Coordinates-31.6678°N, 116.0150°E
Elevation46 m (151 ft)
ICAO codeYPEA
Runways
  • 05/23 [asphalt]
  • 18L/36R [asphalt]
  • 18R/36L [concrete]
Wikipedia and other open sources. Last updated on 19 January 2026