See map below. @AircraftSpots recorded 3 x US B-2 stealth bombers being refueled over northern Australia on August 11, 2020.
These B-2As were travelling from their main Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, USA then over the Pacific, over northern Australia, Indian Ocean to Diego Garcia Air Base.
Many more photos of the 3 x B-2s at Diego Garcia, with more details, providing mission context, are at The Drive's August 19, 2020 article.
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Overflight of Australia, a close US ally, avoids overflights of Southeast Asian countries. If overflying Australia at night this adds to the B-2's stealthy security.
Australia's Tindal Air Base, Northern Territory, may be available for any unscheduled or emergency B-2 landings.
If no US tankers are scheduled Australia’s KC-30A,variants of the Airbus A330 MRTT refueling aircraft, have the Aerial Refuelling Boom System used by B-2s, as well as two Cobham 905E under-wing refuelling pods.
See Submarine Matters'US B-2, B-52 and B-1 Bombers Exercising in Australia, January 11, 2019.
Pete
These B-2As were travelling from their main Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, USA then over the Pacific, over northern Australia, Indian Ocean to Diego Garcia Air Base.
Many more photos of the 3 x B-2s at Diego Garcia, with more details, providing mission context, are at The Drive's August 19, 2020 article.
Map courtesy @AircraftSpots August 11, 2020. Each circle signifies one refueling tanker refueling one B-2.
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Australia's Tindal Air Base, Northern Territory, may be available for any unscheduled or emergency B-2 landings.
If no US tankers are scheduled Australia’s KC-30A,variants of the Airbus A330 MRTT refueling aircraft, have the Aerial Refuelling Boom System used by B-2s, as well as two Cobham 905E under-wing refuelling pods.
See Submarine Matters'US B-2, B-52 and B-1 Bombers Exercising in Australia, January 11, 2019.
Pete