The US is reportedly planning to deploy as much as six nuclear-capable B-52 bombers to an air base in northern Australia.
Dedicated services for the bombers shall be arrange on the Royal Australian Air Force’s Tindal base, about 190 miles south of Darwin, the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory, in response to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
Washington has reportedly drawn up detailed plans for what it calls a “squadron operations facility” to be used through the dry season in addition to an adjoining upkeep centre and a parking space for the bombers.
The US Air power was quoted as saying the flexibility to deploy the bombers to Australia sends a robust message to adversaries, ABC reported.
The transfer comes amid heightened tensions within the Pacific between the US and China, significantly referring to Taiwan.
B-52s have a fight vary of about 14,000km and stationing them in Australia will function a “warning” to Beijing, Becca Wasser, a senior fellow on the Washington DC-based Centre for a New American Security, advised ABC.
Chinese international ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian mentioned: “The related practices of the US aspect have elevated tensions within the area, significantly undermined regional peace and stability, and will set off an arms race within the area.
“China urges the parties concerned to abandon the old Cold War zero-sum mentality and narrow geopolitical concepts and do more to contribute to regional peace and stability and to enhance mutual trust.”
Australia’s Northern Territory steadily performs host to navy collaborations with the US.
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Thousands of US Marines rotate by means of the territory yearly for coaching and joint workout routines, below an association which started below President Barack Obama.
Last yr, the United States, Britain and Australia created a safety deal know as “AUKUS” that can present Australia with the expertise to deploy nuclear-powered submarines, riling China.
Australia additionally performs host to the Pine Gap satellite tv for pc surveillance base within the centre of the nation.
The base is partially run by the CIA and NSA and has lengthy been steeped in intrigue, with some branding it “Australia’s Area 51”.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese mentioned Australia engages with the US 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,” Albanese mentioned throughout a media convention.
Source: information.sky.com”