US plans to deploy B-52 bombers to Australia’s north, ABC reports

Earlier this year, the US deployed four B-52s to its Andersen Air Force base in Guam. PHOTO: AFP

SYDNEY – The United States is planning to deploy up to six nuclear-capable B-52 bombers to an air base in northern Australia, the Australian Broadcasting Corp (ABC) reported on Monday, a move that could further inflame tensions with Beijing.

Dedicated facilities for the bombers will be set up at the Australian air force’s remote Tindal base, about 300km south of Darwin, the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory, ABC’s Four Corners programme reported, citing US documents.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia engages with the United States on defence alliances “from time to time.”

“There are visits, of course, to Australia, including in Darwin, that has US Marines, of course, on a rotating basis stationed there,” Mr Albanese said during a media conference.

The US has drawn up detailed plans for what it calls a “squadron operations facility” for use during the Northern Territory’s dry season, an adjoining maintenance centre and a parking area for the B-52s, according to ABC.

The ability to deploy the long-range bombers to Australia sends a strong message to adversaries about Washington’s ability to project lethal air power, the US Air Force was quoted as saying in the report.

Australia’s Northern Territory already hosts frequent military collaborations with the US. Thousands of US marines rotate through the territory annually for training and joint exercises, first started under former president Barack Obama.

Earlier in 2022, the US deployed four B-52s to its Andersen Air Force base in Guam.

Last year, the US, Britain and Australia created a security deal that will provide Australia with the technology to deploy nuclear-powered submarines, riling China.

Putting B-52s in Australia, which could reach and potentially attack mainland China, will be a warning to Beijing, as fears grow on an assault on Taiwan, Ms Becca Wasser, a senior fellow at the Centre for a New American Security, told ABC. REUTERS

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