THREE nuclear-capable B-2 Spirit Stealth Bombers look likely to be based at RAAF Base Amberley over coming months.
The B-2s have been seen flying regularly out of RAAF Base Amberley at night and on weekends and have been spotted above Ipswich and the Scenic Rim.
One of the exercises from Amberley featured the B-2s fly almost 5,000km to the joint naval support facility at Diego Garcia.
This is the second deployment of the Stealth Bomber to Australia following its last visit in 2022.
The $A3.17 billion strategic bomber has enhanced capabilities, with a distinct design and a wingspan of 52m.
United States Air Force Lieutenant-Colonel Justin Meyer of the 110th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron said the bomber visit to Australia served “to provide a ready postured force in order to provide support to our combatant commanders”.
The 110th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron consists of three USAF B-2 Spirit Stealth Bombers, aviators and equipment from the 509th Bomb Wing and 131st Bomb Wing.
As of 2024, there are 19 B-2s in service across the world, with the fleet due to retire in 2032, when they will be replaced by the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider.
