A top U.S. military official has floated the idea of stationing the American landing craft Down Under to help move Australian resources in the event of a regional conflict.
A landmark defence review into Australia’s military recommended a pivot away from land power to missiles and long-range strike capabilities, warning the nation may not have enough marine landing craft to transport tanks and vehicles offshore.
The pivot includes scaling up the number of army landing craft while slashing an order of new infantry fighting vehicles from 450 to 129.
US Army Pacific Chief of Staff Brigadier General James Bartholomees told AAP watercraft units could be stationed in Australia to help complement the Australian Defence Force….