As apron. And lead in to a real runway. I don't understand why they didn't test VTOL unless the F35 in Oz aren't equipped.<p>There's been comparable product since WW2 afaik. I used to see hexa hole metal strips on beaches, former beachheads. Apparently this new gen stuff has been used extensively in the oil industry.<p>The upside benefits of rapid repair to degraded airstrip is huge but remember, adversaries will also know how to attack the remediation. And, attacking an enemy's airstrip now has to assume they too can remediate widespread FOD and damage.<p>The article is pretty clear the Australian north is now held to be at risk from pop up attacks to try and nullify northern perimiter airstrips. They have enough risks as it is from tropical cyclones.