Sharjah24 - Reuters: The United States is planning to deploy up to six nuclear-capable B-52 bombers to an air base in northern Australia, a source familiar with the matter said on Monday, amid heightened tensions with Beijing.

Dedicated facilities for the bombers will be set up at the Australian air force's remote Tindal base, about 300 km (190 miles) south of Darwin, the capital of Australia's Northern territory, said the source, who declined to be identified because they are not authorised to speak publicly on the issue.

The development was first reported by the Australian Broadcasting Corp (ABC)'s Four Corners programme, citing U.S. documents.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia engages with the United States on defence alliances "from time to time."

"There are visits, of course, to Australia, including in Darwin, that has U.S. Marines, of course, on a rotating basis stationed there," Albanese said during a media conference.

Australia's Northern Territory is already host to frequent military collaborations with the United States. Thousands of U.S. Marines rotate through the territory annually for training and joint exercises, started under President Barack Obama.

Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles' office declined to comment.