An Australian Air Force Base in the country’s Northern Territory , will now have space for up to six nuclear-capable B-52 bombers. it’s part of a US funded project . officials in Canberra have confirmed that the US funded aircraft parking apron, which is currently in its design phase would be capable of accommodating up to six of the B-52s at the Tyndall Air Base.
Officials said the US bomber aircraft had been visiting Australia since the early 1980s ,and conducting training in Australia since 2005. but the detailed plans first reported by Australian broadcaster ABC ,on Monday suggests the new labor government has locked in plans to expand US aircraft visits to the country. the B-52 is a long-range heavy bomber .
It can carry out ocean surveillance and anti-ship operations . it can also carry nuclear or precision-guided conventional Warheads. reports suggest the Pentagon has budgeted 14.4 million dollars for squadron operations and maintenance at the Tyndall base . but the move is likely to fuel tensions with China .experts say putting B-52s ,which have a combat range of about 14 000 kilometers in Australia will be seen as threatening by China.
As fears grow about a potential assault on Taiwan by Beijing. the US Air Force reportedly said that , the ability to deploy long-range bombers to Australia sends a strong message to adversaries, reacting to the development the Chinese foreign Ministry said ,defense and security cooperation between countries should not Target third parties . it added that the relevant practices of the US side have increased tensions in the region . seriously undermining Regional peace and stability. and it warned that it may trigger an arms race in the region.