From Malaya Business Insight (Mar 10): US eyes long-range bombers in Australia
The United States is in talks to base long-range bombers in Australia, US defense officials said, within striking distance of the disputed South China Sea, a move that could inflame tensions with China.
The deployments could include B-1 bombers and an expansion of B-52 bomber missions, said Lt. Col. Damien Pickart, a spokesman for the U.S. Air Force in the Pacific, stressing that discussions were continuing and no decisions had yet been reached.
“These bomber rotations provide opportunities for our Airmen to advance and strengthen our regional alliances and provide (Pacific Air Forces) and U.S. Pacific Command leaders with a credible global strike and deterrence capability to help maintain peace and security in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region,” said Pickart.
The United States does not currently fly B-1 bombers from Australia, but does conduct periodic B-52 missions.
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull declined to comment on the discussions.
“I can just assure you that everything we do in this area is very carefully determined to ensure that our respective military forces work together as closely as possible in our mutual national interests,” he told reporters on Wednesday.
Should an agreement be reached, it would position further U.S. military aircraft close to the disputed South China Sea and risk angering China, analysts said.
China’s Foreign Ministry expressed concern.
“Cooperation among relevant counties should protect regional peace and stability, and not target the interests of third parties,” spokesman Hong Lei told a daily news briefing.
Australia last month committed to increase defense spending by nearly A$30 billion ($22 billion), seeking to protect its strategic and trade interests in the Asia-Pacific as the United States and its allies grapple with China’s rising power.
President Aquino said the Philippines will lease from Japan five TC-90 training craft to patrol its territory in the South China Sea.
The Philippine military, for decades preoccupied with domestic insurgencies, has been shifting its focus to territorial defense, allocating P83 billion ($1.77 billion) until 2017 to upgrade and modernize its air force and navy.
South Korea has supplied two light fighters and will give 10 more up to 2017, Aquino said.
He said government would award contracts for six close air-support and two long-range patrol planes. Three air surveillance radars are also due be installed.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/us-eyes-long-range-bombers-australia
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