Nations in the Asia-Pacific are growing their missile arsenals, according to a report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. The London-based think tank released its take on the region’s balance of power, noting the growth in arms could boost deterrence against potential Chinese military offensives. China has stepped up military activity around neighboring Taiwan in recent years, and the United States has a one-China policy while also providing arms to Taiwan. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken supports this policy. As a means of ensuring regional stability, the report specifically pointed to the U.S. Air Force’s B-21 Raider, a bomber currently in development by Northrop Grumman. The report offered four possible basing locations for the B-21 in the Asia-Pacific—Guam and three in Australia.
Additionally, a variant of the Joint Air to Surface Standoff Missile, dubbed AGM-158D JASSM-XR, with a range of up to about 1,118 miles, is scheduled to begin delivery in February 2027, the report noted. Here’s the reach these scenarios provide the U.S. Air Force:
– This shows the B-21 stationed at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.
– This shows the B-21 stationed at RAAF Base Darwin in Australia.
– This shows the B-21 stationed at RAAF Base Townsville in Australia.
– This shows the B-21 stationed at RAAF Base Amberley in Australia.
Chris Martin is the managing editor for Defense News. His interests include Sino-U.S. affairs, cybersecurity, foreign policy and his yorkie Willow.
