On August 16, two B-2 Spirit stealth bombers from the United States Air Force made a discreet landing approximately 5 miles southwest of Ipswich, Queensland, Australia. The aircraft were stationed at the Royal Australian Air Force Base in Amberley. The Pacific Air Forces confirmed the arrival and outlined the mission objectives.
These B-2s were part of a Bomber Task Force (BTF) operation initiated two days prior. Personnel and support equipment from the 509th and 131st Bomb Wings, both based at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, were involved. The mission aims to enhance training with regional allies, partners, and joint forces, while also contributing to strategic deterrence and upholding the rules-based international order.
The Pacific Air Forces press office highlighted that U.S. strategic bombers maintain significant operational flexibility in the Indo-Pacific region from various U.S. and overseas bases.
Routine Deployments
Notably, the U.S. has established a routine of deploying a B-2 Spirit to Australia biennially, with the latest occurrence in 2022 mirroring the 2020 deployment. These advanced bombers have consistently landed at RAAF Amberley. During these deployments, the emphasis is on training and strategic deterrence, reinforcing the U.S.-Australia alliance against potential regional threats, particularly from China. This ongoing presence signals U.S. readiness to deploy bombers in a potential conflict scenario.
The deployment also underscores the U.S. commitment to the Indo-Pacific, exemplified by the AUKUS trilateral security pact with Australia and the UK, which enhances military cooperation and technology transfer, including support for Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine development.
Upcoming Joint Operations
In the weeks ahead, joint missions between Australian and U.S. airmen are planned, simulating deterrence scenarios against hypothetical threats. The B-2’s capacity for continuous flight and mid-air refueling supports such exercises, similar to operations observed in 2023. Lt. Col. Andrew Kusgaard from the 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron has indicated upcoming refueling operations with Australian KC-30A tankers, with similar exercises expected in 2024.
B-2 Spirit Overview
The B-2 Spirit, developed by Northrop Grumman, is a strategic stealth bomber designed to penetrate advanced anti-aircraft defenses and deliver both conventional and nuclear payloads. Its flying wing design contributes to its low radar profile, making it one of the most advanced and elusive bombers globally.
With a wingspan of 172 feet, length of 69 feet, and height of 17 feet, the B-2 has a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 336,500 pounds. Its four General Electric F118-GE-100 turbofan engines, each delivering 17,300 pounds of thrust, are embedded in the wing structure to reduce radar and infrared signatures.
The B-2’s operational range is around 6,000 nautical miles without refueling, extendable with aerial refueling, allowing global reach. Its stealth features include radar-absorbent materials, a minimized radar cross-section, cooled exhaust to reduce infrared emissions, and electronic systems designed to limit electromagnetic signatures.
The B-2 can carry up to 40,000 pounds of ordnance in its internal bomb bays, including precision-guided munitions like JDAMs and GBU-57s, as well as nuclear bombs such as the B61 and B83.
