U.S. enters talks with Australia on increasing military presence in northern Australia

The United States has entered talks with the Australian government about beefing up its military presence in northern Australia.

General Lori Robinson, commander of the U.S. Pacific Air Forces, in Canberra overnight raised the idea of "rotating" a number of bomber and tanker aircraft throughout the region in an attempt to "strengthen ties" with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

The commander said the diverse landscape of northern Australia would give her forces an accurate idea of any challenges posed by a number of different "theaters" of war, such as those in the desert, over the ocean, or in tropical areas.

"We're in the process of talking about rotational forces, bombers and tankers out of Australia," General Robinson said..

"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 theater."

Robinson said the U.S. air force's relationship with Australia was important as the open spaces of the Australian outback was perfect for "training exercises".

"It would be useful to train across the spectrum of capability. Does that mean we're going to have B-1s and B-52s and that? I don' t know yet because we're still working our way through the details of that."

Meanwhile, Australia's Defence Minister Marise Payne said Wednesday that the discussions were a part of the Force Posture Initiative drawn up by former Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

ayne confirmed the initiative would "result in increased rotations of U.S. Air Force elements through northern Australia".

"Australia remains strongly supportive of the U.S. rebalance to our near region, and we work together closely in support of our common regional interests," Payne said.