The Australian Ministry of Defense has not commented on the report, but the US wants to show its power by moving nuclear weapons to that part of the world.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported that the United States of America is preparing to send six nuclear-armed B-52 bombers to an air base in northern Australia.
Citing US documents, ABC reported on Monday that Washington has drawn up detailed plans to build separate facilities for the aircraft at Tindall Air Force Base, about 300 kilometers south of Darwin in Australia’s Northern Territory.
The Australian Department of Defense did not comment on the report, but the US Air Force told the radio that the ability to deploy the bombers to Australia “sends a strong message to our adversaries that we are capable of using lethal air power,” he said. The The island.
This move may be a message to China regarding Taiwan
Analysts see the move as a warning to China, as Americans fear it may invade the island of Taiwan.
Tensions with China have made northern Australia a major defense center for the United States, and it is understood to be spending an additional $1 billion to modernize its military assets in the region.
Washington’s related plans include a “squadron operations facility” for use during the dry season in the Northern Territory, an adjacent maintenance center, and a parking lot for the six B-52s.
The US Air Force is sending its most important aircraft to Australia
Designed and built by Boeing, the B-52 is the most combat-capable bomber in the United States, according to the aircraft manufacturer. The long-range bomber forms the backbone of the US Air Force and is capable of deploying both nuclear and conventional weapons.
The US Air Force says Australia’s ability to host the bombers and conduct joint exercises shows “how complementary the two air forces are”. The announced move is likely to escalate tensions with China.
Beijing was quick to denounce an earlier defense agreement between Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom signed in 2021, which suggested Canberra be the first to receive the technology to build nuclear-powered submarines.
At the time, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said the AUKUS agreement threatened to “seriously damage regional peace” and “increase the arms race”.
