US B-2 Stealth Bombers' Surprise Deployment Over Australia Highlights Escalating Tensions and Strategic Military Moves

Disturbing Sight Over Australian Skies: A Grim New Development

A bird of ill omen has appeared in the skies over Australia, signaling a chilling and rapidly deteriorating situation. Recently, three black, bat-shaped US B-2 Spirit stealth bombers made an unexpected appearance, reflecting the tense and deteriorating relations between the United States and China.

Surprise Appearance at Royal Australian Air Force Base

The US Air Force stealth bombers made a surprise visit to the Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley in Queensland last month. These aircraft have since been involved in joint exercises with the Australian military, underscoring the heightened security measures in response to escalating tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.

Mission Statement from the US Defense Department

According to the US Defense Department, the mission aims to demonstrate the "credible bomber force that enhances security and stability of our allies and partners." The nuclear-capable B-2 Spirits, last seen in Australia in 2022, have returned due to increasing tensions among China, India, Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines, prompting an increase in US Air Force training operations in the region.

Joint Operations with the Royal Australian Air Force

Two of the B-2 bombers have been engaged in flight operations with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). During these exercises, two RAAF F-35A Lightning stealth fighters, two EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft, and an E-7A Wedgetail radar aircraft have been joined by USAF F-22 Raptor fighters. All these aircraft were refueled by Australian KC-30A tankers.

Extended Flight and Strategic Deployment

A third B-2 bomber flew 5300 kilometers deep into the Indian Ocean to make a “hot pitting” stop at the remote US-controlled island of Diego Garcia. This maneuver highlights the strategic flexibility and readiness of the US Air Force in maintaining operational capabilities across the Indo-Pacific region.

Importance of Bomber Task Force Missions

The US Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) stated that this deployment supports Pacific Air Forces' training efforts with allies and partners and reinforces the rules-based international order. The B-2 Spirit’s missions contribute to joint force lethality and act as a deterrent to aggression in the Indo-Pacific, demonstrating the US Air Force’s ability to operate globally at any time.

The B-2 Spirit: A Costly and Complex Aircraft

The B-2 Spirit, first introduced in 1989, is considered the most expensive aircraft ever built, with an estimated cost of $US2 billion ($A3 billion) each. Due to its complexity, maintaining the B-2 is challenging; the US Air Force operates only 19 B-2s, with about half in service at any given time.

Rapid Deployment Practice and Strategic Implications

The B-2 flight to Diego Garcia was part of a practice to execute rapid deployment and turnaround. "Hot pitting," where an aircraft lands, refuels, changes crew, and takes off without shutting down engines, is crucial for maintaining operational flexibility, especially if aerial refueling support is unavailable.

US Military Strategy in the Indo-Pacific Region

US military planners are expanding their operational options across the Indo-Pacific, particularly in light of China's aggressive actions against India, Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines. The US Air Force is rebuilding its capacity to quickly establish and operate from "austere field" positions, a strategy reminiscent of its World War II operations in the Pacific.

Increased US Military Presence in Australia

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin announced an increase in the presence of rotational US forces in Australia. This includes more maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft operating from northern Australia and more frequent rotational bomber deployments. USAF Bomber Task Force missions typically last about two weeks, aimed at ensuring allies and facilities gain experience with these complex aircraft.

Recent Demonstrations of US Military Might

The recent B-2 deployment follows other demonstrations of US military capabilities, including rapid deployment tests of F-22 Raptor stealth fighters to Indonesia, Brunei, and the Philippines. Additionally, in June, B-2 Spirits appeared alongside B-1 Lancer bombers at the US base on Guam for the first time in five years.

Upgrades and Future Plans

The US is investing $US450 million ($A665 million) to upgrade Australian facilities at the RAAF Tindal air force base. This includes extending concrete parking aprons and enhancing fueling and maintenance capabilities to accommodate up to six B-52 Stratofortress bombers and their support aircraft. US Defence Minister Richard Marles highlighted that these upgrades allow for a greater range of activities and operations with international partners.

Expanding US and Australian Defence Collaboration

Defence Minister Marles also confirmed plans for the US to establish a Submarine Rotational Force in Perth and build a new logistics base at the Bandiana Military Area near the Victoria-NSW border. This expansion reflects ongoing efforts to bolster strategic defense collaboration between the US and Australia in the face of growing regional challenges.