Coalition calls for government to consider fleet of ‘long-range bombers’
Shadow defence minister James Paterson has urged the Australian government to consider acquiring a fleet of long-range B-21 Raider stealth bombers from the United States as a contingency measure, citing risks to the AUKUS submarine program. While reaffirming his support for AUKUS, Paterson emphasized the need for alternative capabilities to ensure Australia can project power in the Indo-Pacific. He argued that the bombers could offer a more affordable and operationally flexible strike option compared to nuclear submarines. The comments coincide with leadership changes in the Department of Defence and growing scrutiny over AUKUS implementation challenges.
- ▪James Paterson called for the government to assess the acquisition of B-21 Raider stealth bombers as a supplementary long-range strike capability amid AUKUS risks.
- ▪Paterson described himself as an AUKUS 'true believer' but acknowledged 'enormous risks' in the nuclear submarine program, including workforce and infrastructure delays.
- ▪A UK parliamentary inquiry recently warned that 'cracks are already beginning to show' in the AUKUS agreement, particularly around funding and submarine development.
- ▪Defence expert Marcus Hellyer estimated a squadron of 12 B-21 bombers could cost Australia around $30 billion.
- ▪Meghan Quinn, currently head of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, has been appointed the new secretary of the Department of Defence, becoming the first woman to lead the department.
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