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USAF B‑2 Deploys to Amberley for Integration Into RAAF’s Exercise Diamond Storm

The deployment demonstrates that U.S. and Australian air forces can operate a stealth long‑range bomber from Australian bases to sharpen joint strike readiness.

U.S. Air Force crew chiefs assigned to the 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron prepare a B-2 Spirit aircraft for departure at Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley, Queensland, Australia, June 11, 2026. (Image credit: U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua Hastings)
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Overview

  • A single USAF B‑2 Spirit, Spirit of Texas, arrived at RAAF Base Amberley on June 11, 2026 and was publicly shown this week integrated into the RAAF’s Exercise Diamond Storm.
  • The B‑2 was woven into the Air Warfare Instructor Course final exercise to give AWIC students hands‑on experience integrating a stealth bomber with Australian F‑35s and other assets.
  • Operational tasks shown in official imagery included a KC‑30A air‑to‑air refuel over the South Pacific, hot‑pit ground refuelling on Amberley’s apron, and other Agile Combat Employment procedures.
  • Senior USAF and RAAF officials framed the activity as a practical test of interoperability that strengthens collective deterrence, global strike readiness and logistics for dispersed operations.
  • The deployment continues the Bomber Task Force rotations and Enhanced Air Cooperation pattern established by visits in 2022 and 2024 and signals a sustained U.S. rotational posture that uses northern Australia as a forward hub.