In a bold display of military cooperation, U.S. B-2 stealth bombers struck Houthi weapons bunkers in Yemen earlier this week, with the help of Australian air bases. The strikes targeted underground storage sites used by Iranian-backed Houthi forces, a powerful message aimed not only at the Houthis but also at their primary backer—Iran. Though the Australian Department of Defense has not confirmed whether B-2 bombers took off from its territory, they did confirm providing “access and overflight” for U.S. aircraft from bases in northern Australia.
This reflects a growing strategic alliance between the U.S. and Australia, as the latter has been upgrading air bases, like RAAF Base Tindal, to better accommodate U.S. bombers. While it’s unclear if the stealth bombers took off from Australian soil, U.S. refueling tankers operating from Australian bases have been confirmed. The cooperation signals Australia’s commitment to supporting U.S. efforts to maintain security in the Red Sea and disrupt Houthi capabilities that threaten global shipping.
The strikes not only show Australia’s growing role in U.S. military operations but also underscore the increasing integration of both countries’ forces under initiatives like AUKUS, aimed at countering regional threats, particularly from China. With more U.S. bomber deployments expected in Australia, this partnership is clearly on the rise.
