U.S. Air Force F-22A Raptors assigned to the 27th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron along with Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs from No 75 Squadron and a KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft from No. 33 Squadron, demonstrate a show of force by conducting an elephant walk at RAAF Base Tindal, Australia, July 31, 2024. Exercise Pitch Black showcases allies and partners to synchronizing efforts across a joint, combined force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Spencer Tobler)
The US military has established bases around Australia and Western Australia is building accommodation for permanent postings of US Navy and Marines in readiness for the elusive AUKUS submarine program.
PM Albanese when meeting with President Trump on Tuesday knew he had a bargaining chip with US bases and critical minerals were an aside because the Liberal government of Scott Morrison had already done a deal with mineral mining in 2019 and again unofficially in June 2025.
If left to the ALP there would have been no minerals deal with the US.
