Comments on: Opinion: Why didn’t we opt for B-21s?

By: smeary10@gmail.com

smeary10@gmail.com — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 04:39:33 +0000

In reply to Roy Hughes. Too expensive and we don't want to be the only country operating an aircraft type ever again.

By: Roy Hughes

Roy Hughes — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 04:15:53 +0000

There are sure to be some B-1’s/B-2’s soon available soon (albeit with a few hours on the clock) and at the right price! [Maybe even a discount as a member of the AUKUS alliance] A not-insignificant upgrade, and they might be fit for purpose, however strategic bombers are VERY costly to operate, and require a large uniformed workforce to maintain. They would also require more AEWC support, refuellers, munitions, training, expanded airbases and runways, as well as logistical support.

It all adds up to a large cost, but then the cost to not have the capability to defend ourselves may be even larger!

RJH

By: David Savage

David Savage — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 07:23:02 +0000

If Australia is not going use B-21 or similar long range defence, how do they propose to provide this capacity to cover; especially if other AUKUS MEMBERS will ask for it given our position within the Asia- Pacific region? It is our back yard and it needs to be protected.

Surely AUKUS must have a policy to evenly distribute the cover with an agreement on common armament, especially long range air even if only as a deterrent. Maybe the USA can or will agree to provide the hardware.

Unlike the USA and the UK, Australia doesn’t have 3500 miles of pacific ocean or land mass to provide time to react and respond. What AUKUS has yet to d4cide and provide the common armament and an agreed a
cost sharing. After all. If there is to be a conflict, keep it as far away from our borders as possible. B-21 and rocketry gives us a chance of that.

It all depends on sharing. Equipment, ground depots and harbours and advanced equipped manpower. If that is being planned, we can rest a bit better.

In closing, if the smaller A-PAC countries are hit first, there will be a call for Australia who must join the party