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.
Works are underway on facilities at the Tindal air base located three-and-a-half hours south of Australia’s northern-most city of Darwin.
According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, U.S. officials have drawn up plans for a “squadron operations facility” and a maintenance centre and parking space for six B-52 bombers. The cost is expected to reach US$100 million.
The B-52 Stratofortress continues to be a formidable part of the U.S. military since the 1950s. The aircraft is able to fly extreme 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….