Long-range conventional bombers have their clearest appeal where aircraft must cross large expanses of ocean. Britain once had its own V-bombers, while the later spread of precision weapons and long-range cruise missiles reduced the need for a large bomber payload. France could pursue a European bomber design, but its existing forward bases and aircraft carrier weaken the budget case for another system. Personnel pay and accommodation are proposed as earlier priorities for additional defence spending because they affect recruitment and retention. Australia already faces the cost of AUKUS and would have to weigh a separate bomber programme against confidence in future American parts and support. A more plausible Australian option would add submarine-launched cruise-missile capacity to a programme already under way.
Notable Point · 1:08:27-1:14:34
Strategic-bomber basing and Australian alternatives
Geography favors Australian long-range strike, but precision weapons, existing commitments, and support costs strengthen the case for submarine-launched missiles over a separate bomber fleet.