US considers potential locations for B-21 bombers to counter China's influence

This shows the B-21 stationed at RAAF Base Townsville in AustraliaPhoto byInternational Institute for Strategic Studies

The International Institute for Strategic Studies found that while missile arsenals are expanding in the Asia-Pacific, the region may be better stabilized if long-range capabilities were to be developed.

The London-based think group shared its analysis of the power dynamics in the region, pointing out that an increase in armaments might serve as a stronger deterrent against any possible military aggression by China.

Recently, China's military presence surrounding Taiwan, a neighboring island that Beijing views as an independent province, has intensified. Beijing has even threatened to physically reclaim Taiwan. U.S. weaponry sales to China occur alongside the country's public maintenance of its "one China" policy.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on Tuesday, "That's been our policy for as long as I can remember, and it remains our policy." "And once again, it's a policy that, to the best of our abilities, guarantees that we have peace, stability, and that the status quo is not disturbed in ways that will impact everyone on the planet."

The paper highlighted the B-21 Raider, a bomber being developed by Northrop Grumman, as a method of maintaining peace in the region.

Just over a year after its unveiling, the first Raider departed for flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base in California in November 2023. Midway through the 2020s is when we anticipate the service's initial delivery.

The IISS report presented four potential bases for the B-21 in the Asia-Pacific region, including one in Guam and three in Australia. These bases were determined using data from Lockheed Martin, the U.S. and Australian forces, and the report's own analysis.

The article also mentioned that in February 2027, deliveries of a Joint Air to Surface Standoff Missile variant called AGM-158D JASSM-XR will begin. This variant has a range of up to approximately 1,118 miles.

"Jetted off from most USAF-crewed combat aircraft, the JASSM and its variants are designed to defeat modern air-defence systems and attack fixed targets. However, when launched from long-range bombers, they are particularly potent," the statement claimed. "The potential for the future B-21 Raider very low-observable bomber to carry variants of the JASSM could greatly enhance the United States Air Force's capability to covertly project power at long ranges."

Edited by Newsbreak Contributor Denys Shybinskiy