The US Air Force is spending up to $604 million at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida to build a repair complex and other facilities for the F-35A Lightning II fighter.

Hurricane Michael wreaked havoc on the installation in 2018, destroying or damaging nearly every structure on the grounds.

The deal, which goes back to 2008 and is the “largest-ever” military construction contract on record in the USAF database, encompasses up to 11 projects to provide flight operations support for the aircraft.

A corrosion control area, aircraft parking apron, group headquarters, hangers, aircraft support equipment storage, and an F-35 flight simulator training facility are among the facilities to be erected at Tyndall Air Force Base.

“The rebuild gives us the unique opportunity to reimagine how we accommodate the needs of the F-35,” Natural Disaster Recovery (NDR) Division official Col. Travis Leighton said.

“We’re leveraging cutting-edge technology to increase cybersecurity and perimeter defense, enhance base safety and equip Airmen to execute the missions of today and tomorrow.”

The 325th Civil Engineer Squadron has already begun rebuilding several Tyndall Air Force Base facilities to facilitate F-35A operations, according to the air force.

Construction of a flight line facility in Zone 1 is set to begin this summer.

According to reports, the base’s facilities would be built to withstand winds of up to 165 miles (265 kilometres) per hour.

Furthermore, the new structures will feature final floor elevations that can withstand future sea-level rise of up to seven feet.

“The rebuilding effort must incorporate planning and design strategies that support operational readiness and efficiency; create a secure, resilient environment; address flood and storm surge risks; and consolidate development to use land efficiently,” the air force stated.