Australia has decided not to buy B-21 Raider nuclear bombers - 12 planes could cost $28bn

A few months ago, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) recommended that Australia purchase the B-21 Raider aircraft. However, the government has no plans to buy the next-generation nuclear bombers.

Here's What We Know

Australia will continue to cooperate with the United States in the defence sector, but the purchase of B-21 Raider nuclear bombers has been declined. This has been revealed by the Strategic Defence Review (DSR).

The Australian government intends to concentrate on increasing naval power with the US. As such, the purchase of stealth strategic aircraft is not considered feasible.

The 116-page Strategic Defence Review expresses strong support for the acquisition and construction of a fleet of nuclear-powered attack submarines that will carry conventional weapons. Details of the project came to light after leaders from Britain, Australia and the US spoke in San Diego in the middle of last month.

The ASPI report was published in December 2022, a few days after the official launch of the B-21 Raider. Experts argued that Australia should spend $28bn to buy 12 next-generation nuclear bombers amid a growing threat from China.

China's People's Liberation Army has weapons with a range of 3,000km in its arsenal. The B-21 Raider strategic bombers could strike at a range of 4,000km, covering most of the territory that is of strategic interest to Australia.

Source: Australian Government | Defence