Australia places greater value on long-range missiles than B-21s

In keeping with its focus on long-range strike capability, Australia hopes to upgrade its Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fleet to the Block 4 standard. This is to integrate the JSM with the aircraft. This missile has a maximum range of 300 n mile. (Commonwealth of Australia)

Australia’s rejection of the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider for acquisition has prompted it to focus on improving its long-range strike capabilities using existing aircraft.

Janes assesses that this decision was made based on factors of long-range deterrence, plus acquisition and sustainment costs.

In a statement to Janes, the Australian Department of Defence (DoD) reiterated the position of Australia’s Defence Strategic Review (DSR) that the B-21 Raider “is not considered a suitable current option for acquisition”.

“Defence operates a range of platforms that deliver long-range airborne strike effects,” the spokesperson said. “As the [DSR] recommended, Defence is considering options to integrate the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) onto the [Lockheed Martin] F-35A and [Boeing] F/A-18F Super Hornet, and the Joint Strike Missile [JSM] onto the F-35A at the earliest opportunity.”