
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


Australia joining the B-21 Raider program was considered, by some, to be the right strategic move—but ultimately policy makers walked away from the long-range bomber option. Was that the right decision? In this video, we break down the strategic, financial, and operational arguments behind Australia's decision not to pursue the B-21, and what it means for the future of long-range strike in the Indo-Pacific. From the legacy of the F-111 to today's integrated force of F-35s, Growlers, and autonomous systems like the Ghost Bat, we examine whether the RAAF truly has a gap in its capability—or whether modern doctrine has simply evolved beyond the need for a dedicated bomber. We also look at how geography, deterrence theory, and alliance dynamics shape Australia's defence strategy, and whether a platform like the B-21 could have fundamentally changed the balance of power in the region. Ultimately this is about how a middle power projects force in a rapidly changing strategic environment.
By Perfekt StudiosAustralia joining the B-21 Raider program was considered, by some, to be the right strategic move—but ultimately policy makers walked away from the long-range bomber option. Was that the right decision? In this video, we break down the strategic, financial, and operational arguments behind Australia's decision not to pursue the B-21, and what it means for the future of long-range strike in the Indo-Pacific. From the legacy of the F-111 to today's integrated force of F-35s, Growlers, and autonomous systems like the Ghost Bat, we examine whether the RAAF truly has a gap in its capability—or whether modern doctrine has simply evolved beyond the need for a dedicated bomber. We also look at how geography, deterrence theory, and alliance dynamics shape Australia's defence strategy, and whether a platform like the B-21 could have fundamentally changed the balance of power in the region. Ultimately this is about how a middle power projects force in a rapidly changing strategic environment.