Search for car thief after RAAF base break in, assault

A security vehicle stolen from a defence force base following an assault has been used in crimes including a fuel drive-off, police say.

A man hunt is under way after the car was taken from RAAF Base Darwin, triggering a lockdown.

The man broke into the base about 4.30pm on Monday and approached the vehicle a short time later as two security officers exited the white Ford Ranger.

He jumped in the vehicle and assaulted an officer when confronted, police said.

A lockdown was initiated but the man fled in the vehicle, a Defence spokesperson said.

A police pursuit began when the vehicle was later spotted travelling south on the Stuart Highway, but was called off when officers lost sight of it near Palmerston, about 20km south of Darwin.

Police believe the vehicle was involved in a fuel drive off in Coolalinga and a theft at Zuccoli about 4am on Tuesday with three people on board.

Detectives were investigating and a number of offenders had been identified, police said.

Defence confirmed someone unlawfully gained access to RAAF Base Darwin on Monday afternoon.

"RAAF Darwin security, the Joint Military Police Unit, Northern Territory Police and Australian Federal Police responded, and base lockdown procedures and protocols were implemented," it said in a statement.

"The individual allegedly assaulted a Defence Force member and proceeded to leave the base in a stolen vehicle."