Used Stealth Bombers Against China and Russia?
Russia Seeks Bomber Base in Indonesia; Australia Considers Acquiring U.S. B-2 Stealth Bombers
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JAKARTA, Indonesia – Russia has reportedly requested permission to station strategic bombers in Indonesia, according to the defense portal Janes. The request allegedly involves the Biak/Manuhua air base, located at Frans Kaisiepo. Currently, CN235 transporters are stationed there, with plans for new combat aircraft for the Indonesian armed forces.
If approved, the deployment could possibly include Tupolev Tu-95 Bear bombers stationed less than 870 miles (1,400 kilometers) from Australia’s northern coast. Indonesian officials have denied the request, but the reports have raised concerns among defense planners.
Australia Considers B-2 Stealth Bombers
CANBERRA, Australia – Amidst these developments, a strategic studies institute in Canberra has proposed that Australia consider acquiring B-2 stealth bombers from the U.S. Air Force as the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider enters service. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) argues that the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) lacks a long-range strike capability since the retirement of the F-111.
According to ASPI,the F/A-18F Super Hornet and F-35A Lightning II are not suited for long-distance missions.
Viability of Acquiring B-2 Bombers
ASPI suggests the B-2 could provide the necessary range and address concerns about Chinese military capabilities. The institute acknowledges the difficulty of acquiring the stealth bombers but sees a potential possibility. The U.S. could potentially offset costs associated with the B-21 purchase and welcome increased responsibility from an ally.
Challenges and Costs
However, notable challenges remain.Beyond the question of U.S. willingness to part with the B-2, maintenance and operational costs pose a major hurdle. The B-2 is known as one of the most expensive aircraft to operate. it remains unclear how Australia could maintain the aircraft without U.S. Air Force support. Operating and maintenance costs would likely be substantial.
B-2 as a Transition to B-21?
The long-term procurement of the B-21 Raider is under consideration. Acquiring the B-2 could serve as an interim solution. Though, the export of the B-21 remains uncertain, and the U.S. Air Force would need to receive sufficient quantities first.
U.S. Military Presence in Australia
The presence of U.S. bombers in Australia is not unprecedented. B-2s have visited on several occasions, and the Tindal air base is undergoing expansion to accommodate temporary deployments of U.S. B-52 bombers. the Pentagon aims to expand its presence in the region and strengthen ties with Australia. This raises the question of whether Australia needs to procure its own bomber force.
## Russia’s Bomber Base Request, Australia’s Bomber Plans: Q&A
Here’s a breakdown of the news, answering key questions and providing context.
### What is Russia requesting from Indonesia?
Russia has reportedly requested permission from Indonesia to station strategic bombers at the Biak/Manuhua air base,located at Frans Kaisiepo.
### which bombers could be involved?
The request, if approved, might involve Tupolev Tu-95 Bear bombers.
### Where is the Biak/Manuhua air base located?
The Biak/Manuhua air base is situated in Indonesia.
### How close would these bombers be to Australia?
if deployed, the Tu-95 bombers could be stationed less than 870 miles (1,400 kilometers) from Australia’s northern coast.
### Has Indonesia approved Russia’s request?
Indonesian officials have denied the request.
### Why is australia considering acquiring B-2 Stealth Bombers?
reports of Russia’s request have raised concerns among defence planners in Australia. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) has proposed that Australia consider acquiring B-2 stealth bombers from the U.S. Air Force. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) lacks a long-range strike capability since the retirement of the F-111.
### Why are the F/A-18F Super Hornet and F-35A Lightning II mentioned in this context?
According to ASPI, the F/A-18F Super Hornet and F-35A Lightning II are not suitable for long-distance missions.
### What are the potential benefits of Australia acquiring B-2 bombers?
ASPI suggests that the B-2 could provide the necessary range and address concerns about Chinese military capabilities.
### What are the challenges of acquiring B-2 bombers?
Major challenges include:
* U.S. willingness to part with the B-2.
* High maintenance and operational costs.
* Uncertainty on how Australia could maintain the aircraft without U.S. Air Force support.
### What is the B-21 Raider and how does it relate to this situation?
the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider is a long-term procurement consideration for Australia. Acquiring the B-2 could be an interim solution until the B-21 Raider becomes available.
### Has the U.S. Military been present in Australia before?
Yes. The presence of U.S. bombers in Australia is not unprecedented. B-2s have visited on several occasions, and the Tindal air base is undergoing expansion to accommodate temporary deployments of U.S. B-52 bombers. The Pentagon aims to expand its presence in the region and strengthen ties with Australia.
### Why is Australia expanding its military in-region partnerships?
The Pentagon aims to expand its presence in the region and strengthen ties with Australia.
### How Does the B-2 Compare to the B-21 Raider?
here’s a simplified comparison, based only on this article:
| Feature | B-2 Stealth Bomber | B-21 Raider |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Existing aircraft | Future acquisition, export uncertain |
| Role in Australia’s Plan | Potential interim solution | Long-term procurement goal |
| Cost | High operational and maintenance costs | Details not Available |
### What are the long-term strategic implications of these developments?
The article raises the question of whether Australia needs to procure its own bomber force, given the evolving geopolitical landscape and the U.S.’s increased presence in the region.