Long-Range Bomber Needed to Fill RAAF Critical Gap and Enhance Capability

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) must acquire a long-range strike bomber to fill a critical capability gap and enhance the nation’s defence.

Retired Air Marshal Geoff Brown AO says the absence of a dedicated long-range bomber aircraft, integrated Air and Missile Defence and a robust fighter capability are critical gaps in the RAAF’s arsenal, particularly considering emerging security challenges in Australia’s region. It is a deficiency that the incoming Government must address as a priority.

In a paper for the Returned & Services League of Australia’s (RSL) Defence and National Security Committee titled, The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) – Unrealised Potential, Air Marshal Brown says in a world where adversaries are rapidly advancing their missile and defence capabilities, the ability for Australia to conduct deep-strike operations and robustly defend our bases are no longer luxuries, they are a strategic imperative.

“A long-range bomber would not only extend Australia’s offensive reach but also complement existing platforms, ensuring that the Nation’s air power remains robust, flexible and capable of meeting future challenges head-on,” he said.

Committing to purchase a long-range bomber fleet is in line with the RSL’s push for the incoming Government to develop a balanced Australian Defence Force and increase Defence spending up to three percent of GDP within 12 months.

A former Chief of the Air Force, Air Marshal Brown says the RAAF is widely recognised as a modern, technologically advanced air force, underpinning Australia’s national security and regional influence.

“Yet, growing regional military power and increasing competition, together with Australia’s traditional mismatch between geography and resources, highlight deficiencies that constrain the RAAF’s reach, stamina and hardiness.

“Australia should strengthen the RAAF to address these gaps to bolster the ADF’s ability to strike powerfully at very long ranges. Acquiring a long-range bomber is the critical first step.”

Air Marshal Brown said ultimately, the RAAF’s future success depended on a holistic approach that bridged current deficiencies through targeted investments in technology, logistics and human capital.

“To maintain its aerial dominance and address existing deficiencies, the RAAF must adopt a forward-looking strategy built on several pillars, with the acquisition of long-range strike capability being paramount.

“It must increase the number of combat and support aircraft and continue to modernise the current fleet.

“It must strengthen its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and electronic warfare countermeasure systems and expand tactical unmanned aerial vehicle resources.

“The RAAF must develop a robust logistics and supply chain and develop its human capital. Tackling recruitment, training and retention challenges is essential through training programs, coupled with incentives to retain experienced pilots and technicians.

“Investments in multi-domain command structures, integrating cyber, space and conventional air operations into a unified doctrine is imperative and joint exercises with allied forces will foster interoperability and resilience.”

Air Marshal Brown said as the threat landscape evolved, the RAAF must continue to adapt, innovate and invest in a comprehensive, interdependent force structure that secures Australia’s strategic interests in an increasingly contested global arena.

“The RSL, with our service personnel, veterans and the community will be looking to the incoming Australian Government to address the RAAF’s systemic gaps in concert with the nation’s strategic requirements, and act with urgency to meet these challenges,” he said.

Read Air Marshal Brown’s paper at: https://www.rslaustralia.org/s/RAAF-Unrealised-Potential.pdf