US military activity will ramp up along the Northern Territory coastline, with more American bombers and fighter jets set to operate out of the Top End as early as next year, while long-range guided missiles will also be manufactured domestically in an effort to bolster the nation’s northern defences.

“We’re also increasing the presence of rotational US forces in Australia, and all this will mean more maritime patrol aircraft and reconnaissance aircraft operating from bases across northern Australia,” he said.

“It will also mean more frequent rotational bomber deployments.”