The U.S. Air Force is developing the most advanced long-range strike aircraft in history, and a recent assessment published by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute suggested that Australia should buy it. Washington in the past has not offered long-range bombers for sale to allies, but in this case it might make some sense. Australia is a trusted ally and its regional security goals are compatible with America’s. Canberra needs a credible long-range deterrent given the distances involved in the Western Pacific, and it can afford the B-21 Raider (as the new bomber is called) if it chooses to pursue a purchase. It also has or soon will have all of the necessary skills to operate and support an advanced strike aircraft thanks to its participation in the F-35 fighter program and an intelligence-sharing consortium. I have written a piece for Forbes exploring the idea of a B-21 sale here.
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