At nearly $2 billion per plane, the B-2 Spirit is one of the costliest machines ever built. To put that in perspective, here are five countries whose entire national economies are smaller than a single B-2 bomber.

B-2 Bomber’s price tag surpasses the GDP of these 5 nations! Here's the list

Unlike normal travellers, B-2 pilots don’t stop at airports or sleep in hotels. They keep flying through jet lag, crossing continents without breaks. 

Can a B-2 Bomber ‘time travel’ while flying across the Earth?

The B-2 is America’s most secretive and advanced aircraft. Keeping it on US soil reduces the risk of espionage, sabotage, or foreign surveillance. Missouri offers a controlled, secure environment to safeguard its sensitive stealth technology.

Why US stations B-2 Bombers in Missouri and not overseas?

Even with its large tanks, the B-2 can be refueled in midair by a tanker aircraft like the KC-135 or KC-46. This allows the Spirit to extend its missions indefinitely, enabling those record-breaking 40+ hour flights.

How can a B-2 Bomber fly 40 hours without refuelling?

The B-2 Spirit remains a unique aircraft in military aviation. Despite its effectiveness as a stealth bomber, no country other than the US has ever operated it. Several factors explain why the B-2 has never been exported or adopted internationally.

Why no other country operates a B-2 Bomber?

The B-2 Spirit is unlike any bomber in history. While earlier bombers relied on flying in large formations for protection, the B-2 is almost always seen flying solo. Here are seven reasons behind this unique strategy.

Why B-2 Bombers never fly in formation?

Since its introduction in the 1990s, the B-2 Spirit bomber has been used selectively by the US in key conflicts. Its stealth, precision, and long-range capability made it a preferred choice for high-value missions. Here are five countries where the B-2 has carried out combat operations.

5 countries that became a target of B-2 Bomber

When Vladimir Putin landed in Alaska for talks with Donald Trump, he was met with more than protocol. Overhead, B-2 stealth bombers with F-35s and F-22s carried out a flyover. The move, planned under Trump’s direction, served as a calculated signal of American military capability.

Why Donald Trump used B-2 Bomber as a display of strength during Putin’s visit?

Military assets like the B-2 bomber operate under a strict chain of command, beginning with the President of the United States, whoever holds that office legitimately. .

Will B-2 Bomber fly for Republicans or Democrats in event of a US Civil War?

The B-2 Spirit stealth bomber is one of the most iconic aircraft in the world, virtually invisible to radar, built to penetrate deep into enemy airspace, and capable of carrying nuclear weapons. But what if, just for a moment, we imagined it flying beyond its limits.

What would happen if a B-2 Bomber tried to fly into space? Understanding the limits behind its physics

<p>In one of the biggest missions carried out by America, the US deployed its B-2 Spirit stealth bombers to strike Iranian nuclear facilities after it joined Israel in its war with Iran. The aircraft dropped 14 GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator bombs on Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow nuclear sites.</p><p>This was the first time, B-2 was used in combat in such a high-stake mission. However, the B-2 bombers remain exclusive to the US and are not available for any other country, and cost billions to produce.</p><p>The B-2 Spirit bomber is not just the most dangerous but also the most expensive jet. According to reports, developing a single B-2 bomber costs around $2 billion, and its price rises further when exported. Moreover, its maintenance also costs thousands of crores of rupees.</p><h2>Comparing cost breakdown</h2><h3>India's Tejas fighter jet</h3><p>There is a stark difference in the cost of a a B-2 Spirit bomber and India's indigenous Tejas MK1A fighter jet. The B-2 bomber costs Rs 17,142 crores ($2 billion), while a Tejas MK1A, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), costs somewhere between Rs 600 to Rs 638 crores.</p><p>With all the calculations, India could produce 28 to 29 Tejas MK1A jets for the price of one B-2 bomber.</p><p>With a state-of-the-art radar system, India's Tejas MJ1A is a 4 or 4.5-generation ultra-modern fighter aircraft.</p><h3>America's F-35</h3><p>Another American fifth-generation aircraft, the F-35 Lightening II, is estimated to be worth $110 million (Rs 942 crore) per unit in the international defence market, according to reports.</p><p>Similar to the B-2 bomber, the F-35 is a stealth jet designed to evade radar detection. There have been reports of potential sales of F-35 jets to India. However, no such confirmation has been made yet.</p><p>Moreover, it compared 18 F-35 jets that could be acquired for the cost of one B-2 Spirit bomber.</p><h3>France's Rafale</h3><p>The price of the base model of France's Dassault Rafale fighter jet is somewhere near to the F-35. However, 36 Rafale jets which were purchased by India were extremely customised to meet specific targets and the cost of each aircraft was Rs 2,057 crore.&nbsp;</p>

According to reports, developing a single B-2 bomber costs around $2 billion, and its price rises further when exported. Moreover, its maintenance also costs thousands of crores of rupees.

In one of the biggest missions carried out by America, the US deployed its B-2 Spirit stealth bombers to strike Iranian nuclear facilities after it joined Israel in its war with Iran. The aircraft dropped 14 GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator bombs on Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow nuclear sites. This was the first time, B-2 was used in combat in such a high-stake mission. However, the B-2 bombers remain exclusive to the US and are not available for any other country, and cost billions to produce. The B-2 Spirit bomber is not just the most dangerous but also the most expensive jet. According to reports, developing a single B-2 bomber costs around $2 billion, and its price rises further when exported. Moreover, its maintenance also costs thousands of crores of rupees. Comparing cost breakdown India's Tejas fighter jet There is a stark difference in the cost of a a B-2 Spirit bomber and India's indigenous Tejas MK1A fighter jet. The B-2 bomber costs Rs 17,142 crores ($2 billion), while a Tejas MK1A, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), costs somewhere between Rs 600 to Rs 638 crores. With all the calculations, India could produce 28 to 29 Tejas MK1A jets for the price of one B-2 bomber. With a state-of-the-art radar system, India's Tejas MJ1A is a 4 or 4.5-generation ultra-modern fighter aircraft. America's F-35 Another American fifth-generation aircraft, the F-35 Lightening II, is estimated to be worth $110 million (Rs 942 crore) per unit in the international defence market, according to reports. Similar to the B-2 bomber, the F-35 is a stealth jet designed to evade radar detection. There have been reports of potential sales of F-35 jets to India. However, no such confirmation has been made yet. Moreover, it compared 18 F-35 jets that could be acquired for the cost of one B-2 Spirit bomber. France's Rafale The price of the base model of France's Dassault Rafale fighter jet is somewhere near to the F-35. However, 36 Rafale jets which were purchased by India were extremely customised to meet specific targets and the cost of each aircraft was Rs 2,057 crore.

<p>According to reports, developing a single B-2 bomber costs around $2 billion, and its price rises further when exported. Moreover, its maintenance also costs thousands of crores of rupees.</p>

28 Tejas jets for price of one B-2 bomber? How it compares to F-35s, Rafales and India's Tejas jets— Full COST BREAKDOWN inside

<p>The United States Air Force deployed seven B-2 Spirit stealth bombers on a non-stop 37-hour round trip from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri to Iranian territory and back for its operation HAMMER targeting Iranian nuclear sites.</p><p>Over 125 aircraft supported the mission, including bombers, surveillance aircraft, fighter escorts and aerial refueling tankers. But it was the B-2s, worth around $2 billion each, that led the charge, each carrying “bunker buster” bombs designed to penetrate deeply buried nuclear facilities.</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-zelensky-wants-it-what-is-patriot-missile-trump-plans-to-send-most-advanced-us-air-defence-system-to-ukraine-1750870908826"><strong>‘Zelensky wants it’: What is Patriot&nbsp;missile? Trump plans to send 'most advanced' US air defence system to Ukraine</strong></a></p><h2><strong>How expensive was it?</strong></h2><p>Flying the B-2 isn’t cheap, it comes with a hefty price tag. The cost of operating a single B-2 bomber is approximately $65,000 per hour, as per the Pentagon. With each bomber flying for 37 hours, the cost per aircraft came to $2.405 million. Since seven B-2 bombers were used in the mission, the total estimated cost for the operation was around $16.83 million, just for the B-2s alone. That figure doesn’t include the cost of support aircraft, fuel, weapons or logistics.</p><h2><strong>What are the B-2 Bombers?</strong></h2><p>The B-2 is a long-range stealth bomber developed by Northrop Grumman. It is designed to deliver both conventional and nuclear weapons while avoiding detection by enemy radar systems. The aircraft features a flying wing shape and uses composite materials and radar-absorbing coatings to minimise its radar signature.</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-sleep-studies-nutritional-education-what-b-2-bomber-pilots-eat-and-do-before-flying-for-long-missions-1750789118034"><strong>'Sleep studies, nutritional education': What B-2 Bomber pilots eat and do before flying for long missions?</strong></a></p><p>According to a recent Congressional Research Service report, the B-2 remains the only aircraft capable of carrying the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (GBU-57), a 30,000-pound bomb built to destroy hardened underground bunkers.</p><h2><strong>Key specifications of the B-2 bomber</strong></h2><p>• Crew: 2 pilots</p><p>• Wingspan: 172 feet</p><p>• Length: 69 feet</p><p>• Weight: 160,000 pounds</p><p>• Weapon loadout: Can carry two GBU-57 “bunker buster” bombs</p>

Flying the B-2 isn’t cheap, it comes with a hefty price tag. The cost of operating a single B-2 bomber is approximately $65,000 per hour, as per Pentagon.

The United States Air Force deployed seven B-2 Spirit stealth bombers on a non-stop 37-hour round trip from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri to Iranian territory and back for its operation HAMMER targeting Iranian nuclear sites. Over 125 aircraft supported the mission, including bombers, surveillance aircraft, fighter escorts and aerial refueling tankers. But it was the B-2s, worth around $2 billion each, that led the charge, each carrying “bunker buster” bombs designed to penetrate deeply buried nuclear facilities. Also read: ‘Zelensky wants it’: What is Patriot missile? Trump plans to send 'most advanced' US air defence system to Ukraine How expensive was it? Flying the B-2 isn’t cheap, it comes with a hefty price tag. The cost of operating a single B-2 bomber is approximately $65,000 per hour, as per the Pentagon. With each bomber flying for 37 hours, the cost per aircraft came to $2.405 million. Since seven B-2 bombers were used in the mission, the total estimated cost for the operation was around $16.83 million, just for the B-2s alone. That figure doesn’t include the cost of support aircraft, fuel, weapons or logistics. What are the B-2 Bombers? The B-2 is a long-range stealth bomber developed by Northrop Grumman. It is designed to deliver both conventional and nuclear weapons while avoiding detection by enemy radar systems. The aircraft features a flying wing shape and uses composite materials and radar-absorbing coatings to minimise its radar signature. Also read: 'Sleep studies, nutritional education': What B-2 Bomber pilots eat and do before flying for long missions? According to a recent Congressional Research Service report, the B-2 remains the only aircraft capable of carrying the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (GBU-57), a 30,000-pound bomb built to destroy hardened underground bunkers. Key specifications of the B-2 bomber • Crew: 2 pilots • Wingspan: 172 feet • Length: 69 feet • Weight: 160,000 pounds • Weapon loadout: Can carry two GBU-57 “bunker buster” bombs

<p>Flying the B-2 isn’t cheap, it comes with a hefty price tag. The cost of operating a single B-2 bomber is approximately $65,000 per hour, as per the Pentagon.</p>

Seven B-2 bombers, 37 hours, MILLIONS spent: How much did US spend on B-2 bomber mission against Iran?

Each B-2 can carry up to 16 B61-12 variable yield nuclear bombs or B83 bombs with a yield of up to 1.2 megatons. In total, a single B-2 squadron could deliver 192 nuclear bombs across targets worldwide.

How a squadron of B-2 Bombers can wipe out entire human civilisation?

<p>Before flying a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, US Air Force pilots spend weeks preparing, not just for the route, but for what goes into their stomachs. The B-2, built by Northrop Grumman and priced at around $2 billion per unit, recently featured in strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Its two-person crew faces intense conditions that require more than technical training, they need to master sleep patterns and diet, too.</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-many-times-has-the-us-used-the-b-2-bomber-every-mission-explained-1750676422903"><strong>How many times has the US used the B-2 bomber? Every mission&nbsp;explained</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Diet planning is part of the job</strong></h2><p>“We go through sleep studies, we actually go through nutritional education to be able to teach each one of us: one, what wakes us up and then what helps us go to sleep,” explained retired Lt. Gen. Steve Basham, who spent nine years flying the B-2 before retiring in 2024.</p><p>Pilots are trained to choose foods that help digestion and maintain alertness since the aircraft only has a single chemical toilet. Basham’s go-to inflight meal? “Turkey sandwiches on wheat bread, no cheese… as bland as you possibly can,” he said.</p><p>The B-2 can fly 6,000 nautical miles without stopping, but most missions still need several mid-air refuellings. Fatigue makes these operations even harder.</p><p>“Adrenaline kept you going before you went into country,” he said. “The adrenaline goes away. You try to get a little bit of rest and you still got that one last refuelling,” he added.</p><h2><strong>Small breaks and sunflower seeds</strong></h2><p>Behind the cockpit seats is a small area where pilots can stretch out on a cot. While that offers some rest, staying alert for nearly two days is a different challenge altogether.</p><p>Despite its advanced stealth features, designed to evade radar, infrared, and acoustic detection, the B-2 relies heavily on its crew’s performance. Unlike older bombers like the B-1B and B-52, the B-2 only carries two pilots, meaning each one carries more responsibility.</p><h2><strong>It’s not as easy as it looks</strong></h2><p>“Our pilots make it look easy, but it’s far from easy,” Basham said. “You can’t do this without a massive, massive array of planners on the ground throughout the world and maintainers that make sure you’ve always got a&nbsp;good&nbsp;aircraft,” he added.</p>

The B-2 can fly 6,000 nautical miles without stopping, but most missions still need several mid-air refuellings. Fatigue makes these operations even harder.

Before flying a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, US Air Force pilots spend weeks preparing, not just for the route, but for what goes into their stomachs. The B-2, built by Northrop Grumman and priced at around $2 billion per unit, recently featured in strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Its two-person crew faces intense conditions that require more than technical training, they need to master sleep patterns and diet, too. Also read: How many times has the US used the B-2 bomber? Every mission explained Diet planning is part of the job “We go through sleep studies, we actually go through nutritional education to be able to teach each one of us: one, what wakes us up and then what helps us go to sleep,” explained retired Lt. Gen. Steve Basham, who spent nine years flying the B-2 before retiring in 2024. Pilots are trained to choose foods that help digestion and maintain alertness since the aircraft only has a single chemical toilet. Basham’s go-to inflight meal? “Turkey sandwiches on wheat bread, no cheese… as bland as you possibly can,” he said. The B-2 can fly 6,000 nautical miles without stopping, but most missions still need several mid-air refuellings. Fatigue makes these operations even harder. “Adrenaline kept you going before you went into country,” he said. “The adrenaline goes away. You try to get a little bit of rest and you still got that one last refuelling,” he added. Small breaks and sunflower seeds Behind the cockpit seats is a small area where pilots can stretch out on a cot. While that offers some rest, staying alert for nearly two days is a different challenge altogether. Despite its advanced stealth features, designed to evade radar, infrared, and acoustic detection, the B-2 relies heavily on its crew’s performance. Unlike older bombers like the B-1B and B-52, the B-2 only carries two pilots, meaning each one carries more responsibility. It’s not as easy as it looks “Our pilots make it look easy, but it’s far from easy,” Basham said. “You can’t do this without a massive, massive array of planners on the ground throughout the world and maintainers that make sure you’ve always got a good aircraft,” he added.

<p>The B-2 can fly 6,000 nautical miles without stopping, but most missions still need several mid-air refuellings. Fatigue makes these operations even harder.</p>

'Sleep studies, nutritional education': What B-2 Bomber pilots eat and do before flying for long missions?

The B-2, designed by Northrop Grumman and costing around $2 billion each, played a vital role in recent strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. 

Stamina and sunflower seeds: What it takes to fly B-2 bomber for 40 hours straight?

The US has shared a video of its B-2 Spirit stealth bombers taking off from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri to carry out Operation Midnight Hammer, a mission to strike Iran’s nuclear infrastructure last week.

How B-2 bombers took flight to attack Iran's nuclear sites - THESE 5 pictures reveal

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B-2 Bomber’s price tag surpasses the GDP of these 5 nations! Here's the list

Can a B-2 Bomber ‘time travel’ while flying across the Earth?

Why US stations B-2 Bombers in Missouri and not overseas?

How can a B-2 Bomber fly 40 hours without refuelling?

Why no other country operates a B-2 Bomber?

Why B-2 Bombers never fly in formation?

5 countries that became a target of B-2 Bomber

Why Donald Trump used B-2 Bomber as a display of strength during Putin’s visit?

Will B-2 Bomber fly for Republicans or Democrats in event of a US Civil War?

What would happen if a B-2 Bomber tried to fly into space?

How a B-2 bomber compares to F-35s, Rafales and Tejas jets— Full COST BREAKDOWN

How much did US spend on B-2 bomber mission against Iran?

How a squadron of B-2 Bombers can wipe out entire human civilisation?

'Sleep studies, nutritional education': What B-2 Bomber pilots eat and do before flying for long missions?

Stamina and sunflower seeds: What it takes to fly B-2 bomber?

How B-2 bombers took flight to attack Iran's nuclear sites - In pictures