Australia weighs long-range bomber option amid AUKUS defense debate

Shadow defence minister James Paterson urged Australia to consider long-range bomber aircraft to ensure the country is not left exposed, framing the idea as a contingency within AUKUS-related security planning.

In a separate assertion, the Coalition said it supports evaluating a fleet of long-range bombers, with Paterson describing himself as an AUKUS 'true believer' while warning that the submarine plan carries 'enormous risks'.

The discussions highlight ongoing questions about defense strategy options under the AUKUS framework, weighing long-range air power against existing submarine plans.