In total, 400 ADF personnel will work closely with members from the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), a defensive arrangement between the nations of Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom.
The ‘refuelling point aviation’ will be used as part of Operation Render Safe, the ADF-led operation that aims to remove World War II-era explosives in Pacific island countries.
Unveiled two years ago, the B-21 Raider is the ‘sequel’ to the UFO-like B-2 Spirit. It is designed to strike silently deep behind enemy lines with its 9,500km range and advanced stealth capabilities.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the government has so far secured almost 600 seats on flights departing Lebanon, most if not all via Cyprus, and that “now is the time to leave”.
The visits are part of a series of activities the Air Force is conducting across the north-west of WA, exploring opportunities, building relationships and exposing its people to operating from remote locations outside their home bases.
The two appointments will become effective from 9 October this year, according to a company statement published last week.