NTD
The U.S. Air Force is preparing to deploy six B-52 bombers to northern Australia amid a steady build-up of U.S. military strength in the region in response to Beijing’s ongoing aggression, according to a news report.
Work is underway on dedicated facilities at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, which is located 3 1/2 hours south of Australia’s northernmost city of Darwin.
U.S. officials have drawn up plans for a “squadron operations facility” and a maintenance centre and parking space for six B-52 bombers, Australian Broadcasting Corp. (ABC) reported. The cost is expected to reach US$100 million.
The B-52 Stratofortress has been a formidable part of the U.S. military since the 1950s. The aircraft is able to fly extremely long distances without refuelling (8,800 miles or 14,080 kilometres) while carrying a massive payload (70,000 pounds or 31,500 kilograms), including nuclear weapons.
Ongoing aggression in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait have spurred Australian and U.S. military planners to build up the Darwin region (the Top End) including regular marine exercises and upgrades to existing military facilities. The United States and Australia jointly operate a satellite surveillance base located in central Australia called Pine Gap…
