Australian officials have proposed acquiring U.S. B-21 stealth bombers to serve as a contingency plan until AUKUS submarines become operational [1].
The proposal addresses a potential vulnerability in Australia's national security. If the delivery of AUKUS submarines is delayed, the country could face a significant gap in its long-range strike and deterrence capabilities.
Shadow Defence Minister James Patterson and defence analyst Peter Jennings said that the next-generation bombers could provide a necessary bridge for the next 15 to 20 years [1, 2]. This timeframe is intended to ensure the Australian Defence Force remains potent while the complex submarine program matures.
Jennings said the move would be a strategic safeguard for the nation's security. "It's a smart thing to do, Australia should keep their focus on AUKUS, but we can't forget the fact that we need to have a defence force that’s strong right now … and in 15 to 20 years' time," Jennings said [1].
The B-21 Raider is designed for high-end stealth and long-range missions, which would allow Australia to project power further from its shores. However, the feasibility of such an acquisition remains a point of contention among military experts. While Coalition members point to the bombers as a potential stopgap, some analysts note that the B-21 is not currently offered for export [2].
This lack of an export pathway makes a sale to foreign nations unlikely under current U.S. policy. Despite this, the proposal highlights the urgency felt by some Australian officials to secure immediate high-end capabilities, regardless of the long-term AUKUS timeline.
“Australia should consider buying next-generation B-21 stealth bombers as a contingency plan.”
The proposal reflects growing anxiety over the delivery timeline of AUKUS submarines and the inherent risks of relying on a single, long-term procurement project. By suggesting the B-21, Australian officials are signaling a desire for 'diversified deterrence'—the ability to strike from the air while waiting for undersea capabilities. However, the gap between political ambition and U.S. export restrictions suggests this is currently more of a strategic wish list than a viable procurement plan.
