BLUF
Four USAF B-2 Spirit bombers deployed to RAAF Amberley, Queensland, as part of Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) Bomber Task Force (BTF) exercises to enhance interoperability and tactical operations with the Australian Air Force.Summary
Maya Carlin writing in 19fortyfive makes the following points:
- Four x B2’s is 20% of the USAF fleet.
- The exercise is designed to demonstrate and enhance the readiness and lethality of a US long-range penetrating strike force.
- 2021 was the 10-year anniversary of the Australia-U.S. Force Posture Initiatives to improve air, maritime and land cooperation.
- Fighter drills and experimenting with refuelling B-2s from Australian KC-30 tankers are being undertaken.
- US and Australian aviators will work together in every specialty: fuels, logistics, maintenance, etc.
References
Recent Runway Posts related to this topic:
- USAF Releases New Airpower Doctrine - The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
- To spread out against China's missiles, the US Air Force is sending fighters to remote Pacific airfields - The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
- Agility Boom: Fuelling Innovation and the Air Force’s Blunt Layer - The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
References from the Web:
- JUL 2022 Wow! Watch B-2 Spirit Bombers Fly with RAAF F-35s- Australian Aviation
- JUL 2022 B-2 stealth bombers in extended deployment to Australia- Janes
- AUG 2022 20 Percent Of The USAF’s B-2 Force Is Deployed ‘Down Under’-the Drive
