USA war planes including the eight-engine bombers and fast fighter jets will operate from RAAF Base Darwin and Tindal. The NT is set to be pounded by the world’s oldest and most destructive heavy bomber - the legendary B-52 Stratofortress - under the 25-year “force posture agreement” signed by US Secretary of State John Kerry, Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Defence Minister David Johnston during the annual AUSM talks Sydney today.

The 1950s era B-52 is the oldest aircraft in the US air force inventory and is at the leading edge of its strategic nuclear strike capability. The aircraft can carry nuclear warheads to targets anywhere on earth.