Yemen strike: Top End’s role in B2 bomber strike revealed

In the aftermath of a US bombing mission on Houthi fighters, the Department of Defence has confirmed the B2 stealth bombers involved in the operation passed through the Top End. Details.

US B2 bombers given access to the Top End’s airspace as part of its mission to target Houthi forces in Yemen this week. Picture: Supplied.

US bombers were given air access in the Top End as part of their mission to target Houthi forces in Yemen, the Department of Defence has confirmed.

On Thursday, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said B-2 bombers had executed precision strikes against “five hardened underground weapons storage locations” in Houthi-controlled Yemen.

The long-range strikes come after more than a year of turmoil in the nearby Red Sea, where Houthis have been attacking international vessels passing by the Horn of Africa.

Senator Austin said the strikes reaffirmed the US Armed Forces’ ability to seek out its enemies.

“This was a unique demonstration of the United States’ ability to target facilities that our adversaries seek to keep out of reach, no matter how deeply buried underground, hardened, or fortified,” he said.

“The employment of US Air Force B-2 Spirit long-range stealth bombers demonstrate US global strike capabilities to take action against these targets when necessary, anytime, anywhere.”

Senator Lloyd Austin confirmed strikes had been conducted against multiple hardened Houthi positions. Picture: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds.

It remains unclear what damage or how many casualties were inflicted.

However, it was revealed the Australian Government had a role in the mission, with the Department of Defence confirming contribution.

“Australia provided support for US strikes conducted on 17 October 2024 targeting Houthi facilities in Yemen, through access and overflight for US aircraft in northern Australia,” a Defence spokesperson said.

“Australia is committed to supporting the US, and key partners, in disrupting Houthi capabilities used to threaten global trade and the lives of mariners in the Red Sea, a vital international waterway.”

RAAF Base Tindal in Katherine is expected to house B2 bombers into the future. Picture: Supplied.

Defence maintains the bombers did not operate from any Royal Australian Air Force base, contrary to speculation online which reported RAAF Base Tindal, in Katherine, to have launched the airframes.

The spokesperson said the ADF would “continue” to support its international partners.

“This support is consistent with our long-standing alliance commitment and close cooperation, demonstrating the interoperability of our militaries,” they said.

“Australia will continue to work with partners to deter actions that undermine global and regional security and stability.”

In August, Senator Austin announced the US would deploy more bombers and fighter jets to the Top End, with RAAF Base Tindal expected to house the famous B-2 bomber into the future.

Capable of carrying a payload of almost 20,000 kilograms and a ceiling of 50,000 feet, the B-2 bomber receives in-flight refuelling, enabling the aircraft to continue its flight uninterrupted.

Originally published as Yemen strike: Top End’s role in B2 bomber strike revealed