The United States is reported to have deployed B-2 stealth bombers in its recent attacks on Iranian nuclear sites. But what exactly are these aircraft and what capabilities do they have?
The B-2 Spirit is a long-range, heavy bomber known for its stealth technology, allowing it to evade advanced air defense systems. It can carry massive payloads—including nuclear weapons—and each aircraft costs over $2 billion.
Notably, the B-2 is designed to deliver the U.S. military’s most powerful bunker-buster bomb: the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, which weighs 30,000 pounds (13,600 kg). This makes the bomber especially suited for hitting deeply buried targets like Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility, reportedly one of the main targets in the recent assault.
According to The New York Times, the B-2 bombers involved in the operation flew non-stop for approximately 37 hours from their base in Missouri, with multiple in-air refueling sessions.
Source: with inputs from Al Jazeera