Australia's Potential Purchase of B-21 Raider Stealth Bombers

proposed

Australia is considering purchasing the B-21 Raider stealth bomber from the US to fill a capability gap until the delivery of nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS agreement, which are expected in the early 2030s. The B-21 is a sixth-generation stealth bomber designed for deep-penetrating nuclear and conventional strikes, with a long unrefueled range and advanced stealth capabilities. The purchase would provide Australia with a sovereign long-range strike option to complement its existing defense assets. However, the high cost of nearly $1 billion per aircraft has been a major deterrent, and the Australian government has so far decided against acquiring the B-21, opting instead to enhance long-range strike capabilities for its F-35A and F/A-18F aircraft.