US deployment of nuclear-capable B-52 bombers to Australia’s north likely to fuel China tensions

A US air force B-52 bomber. Tindal airbase in Australia’s Northern Territory will be able to host up to six of the nuclear-capable aircraft, officials have confirmed. Photograph: US Air Force/Reuters

An expanded Royal Australian Air Force base in the Northern Territory will have space for up to six American nuclear-capable B-52 aircraft as part of a US-funded project that is likely to fuel tensions with China.

Officials in Canberra confirmed that the US-funded aircraft parking apron at RAAF Base Tindal, 320km south-east of Darwin, would be capable of accommodating up to six B-52 aircraft, but said it could also house other aircraft types.