The U.S. Air Force deployed the strategic stealth bomber to support the exercise and key outcomes under the Enhanced Air Cooperation program. The training included fifth-generation integration with Australia’s F-35s, air-to-air support, ground-based refueling, and security and logistics support in a high-tempo scenario.
Air Commodore Pete Robinson, the Royal Australian Air Force’s Director General Air Combat Operations, said the B-2’s inclusion showed the strength of the Australia-U.S. partnership. “The Air Warfare Instructor Course is vital to ensure the preparedness of Royal Australian Air Force personnel, and to train the next generation of experts in integrated air power effects to enable a collective strategy of denial in our region,” Air Commodore Robinson said.
Air Commodore Robinson said the exercise also reflected the professionalism of course candidates operating in a demanding international training environment. “The inclusion of the B-2 stealth bomber in the exercise is a clear example of the strong relationship and trust between Australia and the United States and proves our ability to develop practitioners who can operate at the high end of an international force.
The exercise also required support from aviators at RAAF Base Amberley during a short planning and execution window. “On the ground, our aviators at RAAF Base Amberley provided security and logistics support in a short window that reinforced our deepening interoperability and force posture initiatives that are vital to enable advanced and agile air domain effects.
Air Commodore Robinson said the activity demonstrated the value placed on Australian training by the country’s closest partner. “It clearly demonstrates that our closest partner sees the value of our high-quality training and that we can seamlessly support each other.”
The U.S. Air Force said a B-2 Spirit received fuel from a Royal Australian Air Force KC-30A multi-role tanker transport aircraft over the South Pacific Ocean during a Bomber Task Force deployment on June 11, 2026. During the deployment, the B-2 operated alongside RAAF aircraft as part of Exercise Diamond Storm.
The U.S. Air Force described the activity as valuable to supporting collective deterrence in the region. It said the training deepened advanced air-to-air integration between the Australian Defence Force and U.S. air elements so the two countries can operate together seamlessly.
The B-2 Spirit is a multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions. The U.S. Air Force describes it as a major milestone in the U.S. bomber modernization program and as an aircraft able to bring massive firepower to bear in a short time anywhere on the globe through previously impenetrable defenses.
The aircraft’s low-observable characteristics are designed to help it penetrate sophisticated defenses and threaten heavily defended targets. The U.S. Air Force said its ability to penetrate air defenses and threaten effective retaliation provides a strong deterrent and combat force.
The B-2 combines low-observable technologies with high aerodynamic efficiency and a large payload. Its unrefueled range is approximately 6,000 nautical miles, or 9,600 kilometers, according to U.S. Air Force background information.
The U.S. Air Force said the B-2’s low observability comes from reduced infrared, acoustic, electromagnetic, visual and radar signatures. Its composite materials, special coatings and flying-wing design also contribute to its stealth characteristics, while many aspects of the low-observability process remain classified.
The commander of the U.S. Air Force’s 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron said the unit was honored to fly and train alongside Australian partners. “This high-end, all domain integration is invaluable to maintaining a top-of-state readiness, our always-ready global strike capability, and integrated lethality with our coalition partners,” the commander said.
The commander said the training also highlighted the importance of allied cooperation in the region. “This exercise reinforces that the United States does not face the challenging international environment alone.
The commander described the Indo-Pacific partnership network as a central advantage for the United States and its allies. “Our combined network of allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific is an asymmetrical advantage that our adversaries will never match.”
