US to deploy six B-52 bombers in North Australia, New Headech for China
New Delhi: The Royal Australian Air Force Monday confirmed that the US-funded aircraft parking apron at RAAF Base Tindal, 320km south-east of Darwin, would be capable of accommodating up to six B-52 aircraft, but said it could also house other aircraft types.
The official added, the project was currently in the design phase, and played down the significance of the development, saying US bomber aircraft had been visiting Australia since the early 1980s and conducting training in Australia since 2005.
An expanded Royal Australian Air Force base in the Northern Territory will have space for up to six American nuclear-capable B-52 aircraft as part of a US-funded project that is likely to fuel tensions with China.
The new details of the project are likely to trigger a reaction from the Chinese government. Chinese state media have previously quoted domestic analysts as saying Australia could “essentially become an overseas bomber base of the US”.
According to the US government, The B-52 is a long-range, heavy bomber that can carry out ocean surveillance and anti-ship operations and “can carry nuclear or precision guided conventional ordnance. The US Department of Defence had budgeted $US14.4m ($A22.5m) for squadron operations and maintenance facilities at Tindal.
Matt Keogh, The minister for defense personnel, Australia said, “Australia must remain “vigilant” amid regional tensions, but he did not think the B-52 rotation plans would inflame tensions with China. I think what’s really important here is that the more we are able to build interoperability with the Americans, growing on that very strong alliance.”
The US defense secretary, Lloyd Austin, said at the time that the US and Australia were exploring “greater and more frequent engagement, with our air capabilities, more training opportunities for our ground forces, and increasing our logistical footprint in Australia as well”.
The Australian government believes the project will boost Australia’s capacity to train with and host international partners because it also provides functionality for Australian defense force use and could also host other aircraft types.
US bomber aircraft have been visiting Australia for decades, but the launch of an enhanced air cooperation program in early 2017 signaled a determination by both governments to ensure their air forces could operate together seamlessly.
China’s president, Xi Jinping, told the 20th Communist party congress this month that he would never rule out the use of force to achieve “reunification” with Taiwan, a self-governed democracy of 24 million people that he regards as central to his promise to achieve “national rejuvenation”.
(Vinayak)
