China’s intermediate-range ballistic missiles stationed at artificial reefs and atolls in the South China Sea have the potential to reach two-thirds of Australia, a new report to the Federal Government has warned, with the NT a possible target due to its military installations.

The 33-page report, submitted to the government’s Defense Strategic Review, was created by former defence analysts and the US-based think tank the Rand Corporation and stated that China’s “land-based DF-26 intermediate-range ballistic missile strikes” could have a range of 4,000kms.

Of particular concern was the Mischief Reef atoll situated 3,000km northwest of Darwin, which China had created and is part of the Spratly Islands military base, that was first developed as early as 2014.

US Intelligence has already confirmed that Mischief Reef was militarily operational, and could attack the Pacific island of Guam. The island is the US territory’s westernmost tip and is a crucial military location.

The report also suggested that Australian Defence Force bases in the Territory, Queensland, and the northern half of Western Australia, which are jointly operated with the US, should be moved further south in Australia to better protect them in case of a Chinese missile strike.

The Defence Strategic Review was commissioned by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in August to “ensure the Australia Defence Force is well positioned to meet the nation’s security challenges through to 2033 and beyond”.

Part of the review are expected to be released in the new year, with submissions having closed last week.

The report comes as Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Defence Minister Richard Marles are in the US this week to discuss an “increased rotational presence of US force in Australia”, that includes previously reported bombers, US Army and Navy forces, and other logistics.

“That will deepen our inter-operability and create more agile and resilient capabilities,” said US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin.

“We’ll also continue to find ways to further integrate our defence industrial bases in the years ahead.”

Mr Austin also said China’s “dangerous and coercive actions throughout the Indo-Pacific, including around Taiwan, toward the Pacific island countries and in the East and South China Seas, threaten regional peace and stability”.

It was revealed last month that internal briefing documents from the Department of Defence that the NT Government confidentially contacted the Federal Government to engage in Australia’s nuclear submarine program, although it was unlikely that would occur.

Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Maison and Minister for the North said that Territorians should not be concerned about the US deploying six nuclear-capable B52 bombers to RAAF Base Tindal over the next few years, despite fears they could be used as tensions escalate with China over Taiwan.

Ms Manison said there was nothing to worry about because the Territory has a “long and proud defence history” and the federal money to build upgrades to house the nuclear planes were good for the economy.