Analysts told ABC the move was a warning to China amid fears it could invade the self-ruled island of Taiwan.
“Having bombers that could range and potentially attack mainland China could be very important in sending a signal to China that any of its actions over Taiwan could also expand further,” said Becca Wasser from the Center for New American Security.
The tensions with China have made northern Australia a crucial defence hub for the US and it has committed to spending $1bn to upgrade its military assets in the region, the ABC report said.
Read the full story and more from Al Jazeera.