China on High Alert as US Considers Providing 'B-21' to Australia

US Air Force Secretary "Concerns Over China's Military Modernization Program and South China Sea Actions"
China's Provision of B-21 Following Nuclear-Powered Submarines Seen as Arms Trade

[Asia Economy Senior Reporter Cho Young-shin] China is on high alert as the United States is reportedly considering providing (selling) the next-generation long-range stealth strategic bomber, the 'B-21 Raider,' to Australia.

The B-21 bomber is the United States' most advanced bomber set to replace the B-2 Spirit, and it is expected to be deployed as early as 2025. The U.S. Air Force plans to sequentially retire the B-2, B-1B Lancer, and B-51 bombers.

Photo by Northrop Grumman website capture

China's state-run Global Times reported on the 25th under the headline "U.S. Discusses Possible B-21 Bomber Deal with Australia, Serious Threat to China," stating that the provision of the next-generation bomber to Australia would pose a serious threat to China.

The outlet cited the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, reporting that U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall told Australian Air Force Chief Robert Chipman during their meeting, "The United States is concerned about China's actions in the South China Sea." It added that Kendall expressed worries about China's military modernization program.

Chipman emphasized the security alliance AUKUS in response, stating, "If we cooperate and jointly develop new military technologies, we can gain an edge in the military technology competition with China," according to the report.

The Global Times expressed concern that the B-21 bomber was mentioned during the conversation between Secretary Kendall and Chief Chipman, suggesting that the U.S. might provide Australia with B-21 bombers following the nuclear-powered submarines.

Chinese military expert Song Zhongping said, "The U.S. may provide Australia with B-21 bombers equipped only with conventional weapons," adding that since the B-21 is a long-range stealth bomber capable of intercontinental flight, it could pose a serious threat to China." He also explained that if Australia receives the B-21 bombers, it would become an overseas bombing base for the U.S.

While expressing concerns about the U.S.'s most advanced weapons such as the B-21 bomber, the outlet also claimed that China's military modernization program is progressing step-by-step, enabling it to defend against U.S. attacks. It cited enhanced stealth aircraft air defense capabilities, advancement of asymmetric weapons like ballistic missiles, and development of stealth strategic bombers as representative examples.

Within China, there are also claims that the U.S. providing B-21 bombers to Australia is a kind of ploy to reduce the per-unit production cost and support the weapons manufacturer Northrop Grumman. The current procurement cost per B-21 bomber is reportedly $550 million (approximately 740 billion KRW), and the U.S. Air Force plans to operate a total of 100 units.

The kite-shaped B-21 bomber's most significant feature is its stealth capability. The radar cross-section (RCS) of the B-21 bomber is said to be smaller than a golf ball. Its range is also reported to be around 14,000 km, longer than the B-2's 9,400 km. Additionally, it is designed to be capable of carrying precision-guided tactical nuclear weapons as well as hypersonic missiles, according to various reports.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.