The United States is preparing to send six nuclear-capable B-52 bombers to an air base in northern Australia, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Report informs, citing Al Jazeera.
Citing US documents, ABC reported on Monday that Washington had drawn up detailed plans to build dedicated facilities for the aircraft at the Tindal Air Base, about 300km (185 miles) south of the city of Darwin in Australia’s Northern Territory.
Washington’s plans for Tindal include a “squadron operations facility” for use during the Northern Territory’s dry season, an adjoining maintenance centre, and a parking area for the six B-52s.
“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,” said Becca Wasser from the Center for New American Security.