In what could be interpreted as a swipe at problems with the Spartan, the department said lessons had been learned from previous major acquisitions.
The country’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Zhao Lijian, urged the US and Australia to abandon what it branded an “outdated Cold War zero-sum mentality” and “narrow geopolitical mindset”.
Washington will build dedicated facilities in the NT, including a ‘squadron operations facility’ and parking areas to accommodate the aircraft.
WGCDR Burge, currently of 32 Squardon, achieved the fight flying a hugely diverse range of aircraft including a Pilatus PC-9, Caribou and the King Air B200 and B350.
Australia currently has 10 Spartans operated by No. 35 Squadron from RAAF Base Amberley, which now focuses on peacetime operations such as search and rescue and aeromedical operations.
The arrest follows the US and its allies, such as the UK, cracking down on China reaching out to former pilots.