Australia’s warning to China with US B-52 bomber plan

Australia appears to be sending a warning to China, with a plan to host up to six B-52 bombers from the United States.

The United States is reportedly preparing to deploy up to six nuclear-capable B-52 bombers to northern Australia, which experts say sends a “signal” to China.

A “squadron operations facility” will be built at Tindal air base, south of Darwin, according to Four Corners.

Becca Wasser, from the Centre for New American Security, said it was a warning to China amid fears of an assault on Taiwan.

“Having bombers that could range and potentially attack mainland China could be very important in sending a signal to China that any of its actions over Taiwan could also expand further,” she said.

The bombers are part of a larger upgrade of defence assets, including an expansion of the Pine Gap intelligence base.

The United States is reportedly preparing to deploy up to six nuclear-capable B-52 bombers to northern Australia. Picture: Roslyn Ward / US Air Force / AFP

“The ability to deploy US Air Force bombers to Australia sends a strong message to adversaries about our ability to project lethal air power,” the US Air Force said.

Richard Tanter, a senior research associate at the Nautilus Institute and a long-time anti-nuclear activist, said it indicated Australia’s commitment to the US government’s “war plan” with China.

“It’s a sign to the Chinese that we are willing to be the tip of the spear,” he said.

The US Department of Defence budgeted $US14.4m ($22.5m) in April for the squadron operations and maintenance facilities at Tindal.

“The facility is required to support strategic operations and to run multiple 15-day training exercises during the Northern Territory dry season for deployed B-52 squadrons,” the documents read.

The US also plans to build its own jet fuel storage tanks and an ammunition bunker.

It comes after last year’s annual ministerial meetings, known as AUSMIN, indicated “enhanced air co-operation” was agreed and there would be “rotational deployment of US aircraft of all types in Australia”.