An unidentified individual remains at large after allegedly breaching the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) base in Darwin, assaulting a Defence Force member, and escaping in a stolen vehicle, authorities said.

The incident occurred Monday afternoon at the RAAF base located in Winnellie, a suburb of Darwin. Defence officials confirmed that the person "unlawfully gained access" to the facility and subsequently assaulted a member of the Australian Defence Force. Following the assault, the individual fled the base in a stolen car.

Northern Territory Police, leading the investigation, reported they responded to the incident at approximately 4:30 p.m. local time. According to police, the suspect was last observed driving the stolen white Ford Ranger approximately 15 kilometers from the base. Surveillance later spotted the vehicle heading south along the Stuart Highway, prompting police to initiate a pursuit. However, the chase was called off near Palmerston after officers lost visual contact with the vehicle.

Joint security efforts involved RAAF Darwin security personnel, the Joint Military Police Unit, Northern Territory Police, and the Australian Federal Police. Authorities activated lockdown procedures at the base following the intrusion as part of established protocols.

The RAAF base in Winnellie serves as a significant forward mounting base and operates a runway shared with Darwin International Airport. The facility also supports US Marines during their six-month rotational deployments in the region, providing aviation assistance as part of Defence cooperation between Australia and the United States.

Police continue to investigate the case and have yet to identify or apprehend the suspect. Further inquiries are ongoing.