US looks to base bomber planes in Northern Territory

US bombers and tanker planes could be regularly rotated through air bases in the Northern Territory, in a move that China may see as provocative.

The planes are occasionally brought to Australia for exercises but US General Lori Robinson suggested American strike planes could be a more common sight at Darwin and Tindal air bases.

"We're in the process of talking about rotational forces, bombers and tankers out of Australia," she said in Canberra today, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

"It gives us the opportunity to train with Australia … it gives us the opportunity to strengthen the ties we already have with the Royal Australian Air Force and it gives us the opportunity to train our pilots and understand the theatre."

B-1 bombers based in the Northern Territory would be within range of the hotly contested South China Sea, which could prove problematic for Australia's relationship with China.

China has long been stretching its military influence in the South China Sea, and the presence of the B-1 bombers in Australia would put the US in a stronger position in the region.