US B-2 stealth bombers dropped 5,000-pound deep penetrator munitions on hardened Iranian missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz. The strike successfully destroyed anti-ship cruise missiles that posed a severe threat to global commercial shipping.


‘$2 billion B‑2 bomber in action’: How the US is destroying Iranian anti-ship cruise missile facilities

How fast B-2 stealth bomber can reach? Built for stealth more than speed, it also has long range and powerful payloads. Know more, below.

$2 billion B-2 bomber: How fast can it fly?

The B-2 stealth bomber uses JP-8 jet fuel and four low-signature engines, all built for stealth and long range. With clever fuel and design choices, this bomber flies long and avoids radar. Know more below.

Which fuel is used to power the B-2 bomber?

The B-21 Raider is the US Air Force’s next stealth bomber, rumoured to be almost invisible to radar. Sources claim that a mosquito-sized radar signature and new tech, is total invisibility real or just hype? 

‘Vanish in seconds’: Could the B-21 raider be completely invisible?

As the United States dropped 14 bunker buster bombs deployed on the 'B-2 stealth bombers' on Iran's nuclear facilities during the 12-day Israel-Iran war, a former Vietnam War refugee Anh Duong looked at the weapon's technical details as she sensed a familiarity.Duong, 65, who escaped Saigon and found a home in the US, decided to return to the nation that gave her shelter. A month after the September 11 attacks, she got the chance when she became the leader of a team of US military scientists. That team created an explosive in the same family as the bunker buster.The BLU-118/B, a laser-guided bomb, was designed to travel deep into confined spaces like the underground tunnels occupied by Al Qaeda in Afghanistan.The BLU is an acronym for Bomb Live Unit, and not "Big, Loud and Ugly, which is maybe what the soldiers say", Duong said in an interview.The bomb was developed in a way that it produces a high-temperature and sustained blast, "so that our guys would not have to flush out these hills or caves by foot," Duong said.BLU-118/B, the weapon created by the Navy's 'Bomb Lady', was used several times in Afghanistan. Moreover, her team was credited by everyone for ending America's longest war soon.<h2>How B-2 bombers came in picture?</h2>Before designing the BLU-118/B, Duong and her team were working on a new generation of "high-performance, insensitive explosives, that could take the ride and abuse" of penetrating through the layers or rock before the explosion.According to a New York Times report, these high-performance explosives were part of the explosives packed into the bunker buster, the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, that was used by the US in Iran to hit its nuclear facilities including Isfahan, Natanz and Fordow.Talking about the extent of the damage caused by the bombs, Duong said that the extent cannot be measured by the US, Israel, or Iran.“Think about it. You went in and bombed an underground nuclear facility. It’s not safe to send anyone into that facility. I suspect it will be a long time before any real, in-person assessment can be done," she said.Further lauding the teamwork, she said, "Explosives developers are a small community. We know one another and we collaborate a lot. It was not just my work individually. Everything is teamwork.”She said that she doesn't remember who nicknamed her "the Bomb Lady", but she became known among Vietnamese emigres in the US and globally.&nbsp;

Duong escaped Saigon and found a home in the US, and decided to return to the nation that gave her home. Month after the 9/11 attacks, she got the chance when she became the leader of a team of US military scientists. Their team created an explosive in same family as the bunker buster. 

As the United States dropped 14 bunker buster bombs deployed on the 'B-2 stealth bombers' on Iran's nuclear facilities during the 12-day Israel-Iran war, a former Vietnam War refugee Anh Duong looked at the weapon's technical details as she sensed a familiarity. Duong, 65, who escaped Saigon and found a home in the US, decided to return to the nation that gave her shelter. A month after the September 11 attacks, she got the chance when she became the leader of a team of US military scientists. That team created an explosive in the same family as the bunker buster. The BLU-118/B, a laser-guided bomb, was designed to travel deep into confined spaces like the underground tunnels occupied by Al Qaeda in Afghanistan. The BLU is an acronym for Bomb Live Unit, and not "Big, Loud and Ugly, which is maybe what the soldiers say", Duong said in an interview. The bomb was developed in a way that it produces a high-temperature and sustained blast, "so that our guys would not have to flush out these hills or caves by foot," Duong said. BLU-118/B, the weapon created by the Navy's 'Bomb Lady', was used several times in Afghanistan. Moreover, her team was credited by everyone for ending America's longest war soon. How B-2 bombers came in picture? Before designing the BLU-118/B, Duong and her team were working on a new generation of "high-performance, insensitive explosives, that could take the ride and abuse" of penetrating through the layers or rock before the explosion. According to a New York Times report, these high-performance explosives were part of the explosives packed into the bunker buster, the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, that was used by the US in Iran to hit its nuclear facilities including Isfahan, Natanz and Fordow. Talking about the extent of the damage caused by the bombs, Duong said that the extent cannot be measured by the US, Israel, or Iran. “Think about it. You went in and bombed an underground nuclear facility. It’s not safe to send anyone into that facility. I suspect it will be a long time before any real, in-person assessment can be done," she said. Further lauding the teamwork, she said, "Explosives developers are a small community. We know one another and we collaborate a lot. It was not just my work individually. Everything is teamwork.” She said that she doesn't remember who nicknamed her "the Bomb Lady", but she became known among Vietnamese emigres in the US and globally.

Duong escaped Saigon and found a home in the US, and decided to return to the nation that gave her home. Month after the 9/11 attacks, she got the chance when she became the leader of a team of US military scientists. Their team created an explosive in same family as the bunker buster.&nbsp;

The Bomb Lady: Woman who made 'Bunker Buster' bombs possible—Used by US to strike Iran's nuclear facilities

The US B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, which were on a mission to attack Iran's nuclear facilities last month, were supposed to return from there. However, one group of the B-2 Spirit stealth bombers has not returned to the base reportedly, raising mysteries about its whereabouts.Two distinct groups of B-2 bombers were launched from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri on June 21, according to an EurAsian Times report.One formation flew eastward and directly targeted Iran’s fortified nuclear sites at Fordow and Natanz. A second formation flew westward over the Pacific Ocean, reportedly as a decoy mission with a motive to create confusion in Iranian air defenses.The strike team of the B-2s completed a non-stop 37-hour round mission and returned safely, but details about the decoy group remain insignificant.Reportedly, at least one aircraft from that group was forced to make an emergency landing in Hawaii. The bomber reportedly touched down at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, which shares runways with Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu.A video went viral, showing an aircraft, which further added to the mystery surrounding its condition. However, the US has not released any details on this so far.Similar incidentsThis is not the first time such an incident has happened. In April 2023, a B-2 made an emergency landing at Hickam, prompting the temporary grounding of the entire B-2 fleet after a separate crash in Missouri in 2022.The aircraft remained in Hawaii back then, for weeks, and was then cleared later.In another incident, a B-2 had to be transported to Northrop Grumman's facility in Palmdale, California as it was being repaired in 2021.There are several things that make B-2 Spirit stealth bombers unique. Its unique shape allows for quiet, fast and fuel-efficient flight, which also makes it expensive.Another shocking revelation about the B-2 bombers is that these billion-dollar stealth bombers are not just designed to defeat the world's most advanced air bases, but also to keep the two-person crew functioning and at ease while operating it, as the mission lasts up to two days.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The strike team of the B-2s completed a non-stop 37-hour round mission and returned safely, but details about the decoy group remain insignificant.

The US B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, which were on a mission to attack Iran's nuclear facilities last month, were supposed to return from there. However, one group of the B-2 Spirit stealth bombers has not returned to the base reportedly, raising mysteries about its whereabouts. Two distinct groups of B-2 bombers were launched from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri on June 21, according to an EurAsian Times report. One formation flew eastward and directly targeted Iran’s fortified nuclear sites at Fordow and Natanz. A second formation flew westward over the Pacific Ocean, reportedly as a decoy mission with a motive to create confusion in Iranian air defenses. The strike team of the B-2s completed a non-stop 37-hour round mission and returned safely, but details about the decoy group remain insignificant. Reportedly, at least one aircraft from that group was forced to make an emergency landing in Hawaii. The bomber reportedly touched down at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, which shares runways with Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu. A video went viral, showing an aircraft, which further added to the mystery surrounding its condition. However, the US has not released any details on this so far. Similar incidents This is not the first time such an incident has happened. In April 2023, a B-2 made an emergency landing at Hickam, prompting the temporary grounding of the entire B-2 fleet after a separate crash in Missouri in 2022. The aircraft remained in Hawaii back then, for weeks, and was then cleared later. In another incident, a B-2 had to be transported to Northrop Grumman's facility in Palmdale, California as it was being repaired in 2021. There are several things that make B-2 Spirit stealth bombers unique. Its unique shape allows for quiet, fast and fuel-efficient flight, which also makes it expensive. Another shocking revelation about the B-2 bombers is that these billion-dollar stealth bombers are not just designed to defeat the world's most advanced air bases, but also to keep the two-person crew functioning and at ease while operating it, as the mission lasts up to two days.

The strike team of the B-2s completed a non-stop 37-hour round mission and returned safely, but details about the decoy group remain insignificant.

B-2 bomber vanishes? Where is US stealth bomber that hit Iran nuclear facilities - Here's the mystery

An 18-hour flight each way, multiple mid-air refuellings, and clever diversions, this is what the US did to bomb Iran's nuclear facilities. The mission, known as Operation Midnight Hammer, relied on misdirection and stealth to ensure maximum impact with minimum detection.<h2>A false trail: B-2s seen heading towards the Pacific</h2>On Saturday, a formation of B-2 stealth bombers took off from their base in Missouri. Observers spotted them flying toward Guam, a US territory in the Pacific. It appeared the US was signalling a strike was coming, just not immediately. But this flight was a decoy, meant to draw attention away from the real mission.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-and-iran-s-secret-cyber-war-how-tehran-tel-aviv-are-waging-war-online-and-why-us-is-in-the-crossfire-1750610574082">Israel and Iran’s secret cyber war: How Tehran, Tel Aviv are waging war online and why US is in the crossfire?</a>While the world watched the Pacific, seven other B-2 bombers quietly flew east on an 18-hour mission toward Iran. Keeping radio silence, flying under radar, and refuelling mid-air, these aircraft remained undetected. US fighter jets also played a role in the deception, flying ahead of the stealth bombers to draw out enemy defences.As the bombers approached Iranian airspace, a US submarine fired over two dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles to disable critical air defences. Within minutes, the B-2s dropped 14 GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators, each weighing 30,000 pounds, on Iran’s key nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-s-fordow-still-not-completely-obliterated-after-being-hit-by-us-bunker-busters-here-s-what-israeli-and-us-intelligence-reveal-1750613456192">Iran's Fordow still not 'completely obliterated' after being hit by US bunker-busters? Here's what Israeli and US intelligence reveal</a><h2>Largest-ever B-2 mission went undetected</h2>The operation marked the largest-ever coordinated B-2 strike and the second-longest B-2 flight in history, second only to post-9/11 missions. The Pentagon confirmed that more than 125 aircraft supported the effort. General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Iran did not detect the bombers. “Iran’s fighters did not fly, and it appears that Iran’s surface-to-air missile systems did not see us throughout the mission. We retained the element of surprise,” he said.<h2>Trump posted about mission before officials were briefed</h2>The operation’s secrecy was so tight that even top officials in Washington weren’t informed in advance. “Very few people knew the timing or nature of the plan,” Caine told reporters, adding that many only learnt of the mission after President Donald Trump announced it on social media late Saturday night. The US airstrikes followed an earlier barrage of missiles fired by Israel under Operation Rising Lion.Commercial satellite images shared by Reuters showed signs of major destruction at Iran’s underground Fordow nuclear facility. Experts said the deeply buried site and the equipment used for uranium enrichment may have been seriously damaged, though the extent is still unclear.Initial assessments suggested that all three nuclear sites targeted by the US had sustained significant damage. However, General Caine declined to say whether Iran’s nuclear programme had been fully dismantled.Following the US attack, Iran launched a missile assault on Israel. The strikes injured dozens and caused widespread destruction in Tel Aviv, leaving several buildings in ruins. Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes only.

While the world watched the Pacific, seven other B-2 bombers quietly flew east on an 18-hour mission toward Iran. Keeping radio silence, flying under radar, and refuelling mid-air, these aircraft remained undetected.

An 18-hour flight each way, multiple mid-air refuellings, and clever diversions, this is what the US did to bomb Iran's nuclear facilities. The mission, known as Operation Midnight Hammer, relied on misdirection and stealth to ensure maximum impact with minimum detection. A false trail: B-2s seen heading towards the Pacific On Saturday, a formation of B-2 stealth bombers took off from their base in Missouri. Observers spotted them flying toward Guam, a US territory in the Pacific. It appeared the US was signalling a strike was coming, just not immediately. But this flight was a decoy, meant to draw attention away from the real mission. Also read: Israel and Iran’s secret cyber war: How Tehran, Tel Aviv are waging war online and why US is in the crossfire? While the world watched the Pacific, seven other B-2 bombers quietly flew east on an 18-hour mission toward Iran. Keeping radio silence, flying under radar, and refuelling mid-air, these aircraft remained undetected. US fighter jets also played a role in the deception, flying ahead of the stealth bombers to draw out enemy defences. As the bombers approached Iranian airspace, a US submarine fired over two dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles to disable critical air defences. Within minutes, the B-2s dropped 14 GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators, each weighing 30,000 pounds, on Iran’s key nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Also read: Iran's Fordow still not 'completely obliterated' after being hit by US bunker-busters? Here's what Israeli and US intelligence reveal Largest-ever B-2 mission went undetected The operation marked the largest-ever coordinated B-2 strike and the second-longest B-2 flight in history, second only to post-9/11 missions. The Pentagon confirmed that more than 125 aircraft supported the effort. General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Iran did not detect the bombers. “Iran’s fighters did not fly, and it appears that Iran’s surface-to-air missile systems did not see us throughout the mission. We retained the element of surprise,” he said. Trump posted about mission before officials were briefed The operation’s secrecy was so tight that even top officials in Washington weren’t informed in advance. “Very few people knew the timing or nature of the plan,” Caine told reporters, adding that many only learnt of the mission after President Donald Trump announced it on social media late Saturday night. The US airstrikes followed an earlier barrage of missiles fired by Israel under Operation Rising Lion. Commercial satellite images shared by Reuters showed signs of major destruction at Iran’s underground Fordow nuclear facility. Experts said the deeply buried site and the equipment used for uranium enrichment may have been seriously damaged, though the extent is still unclear. Initial assessments suggested that all three nuclear sites targeted by the US had sustained significant damage. However, General Caine declined to say whether Iran’s nuclear programme had been fully dismantled. Following the US attack, Iran launched a missile assault on Israel. The strikes injured dozens and caused widespread destruction in Tel Aviv, leaving several buildings in ruins. Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes only.

While the world watched the Pacific, seven other B-2 bombers quietly flew east on an 18-hour mission toward Iran. Keeping radio silence, flying under radar, and refuelling mid-air, these aircraft remained undetected.

'18-hour flight, mid-air refuellings': How US fooled Iran with 'decoy' B-2 bombers and hit three nuclear facilities

The United States on Sunday (June 22) struck Iran's three nuclear sites, Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran. US President Donald Trump confirmed the attack, adding that B-2 stealth bombers were involved in the attack. This is not the first time the US has deployed B-2 bombers in combat. Here’s every known time the B-2 has flown into battle.<h2>What is the B-2 bomber?</h2>The B-2 Spirit is a long-range stealth bomber developed by Northrop Grumman. Built to avoid radar detection, it can fly over 11,000km without refueling and carry a mix of conventional and nuclear weapons.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-us-joined-after-witnessing-israel-s-impotence-iran-s-president-breaks-silence-after-us-strike-on-nuclear-sites-what-he-said-1750602966123">'US joined after witnessing Israel’s impotence': Iran's President breaks silence after US strike on nuclear sites - What he said</a><h2>First use: Kosovo War (1999)</h2>The B-2 made its combat debut during NATO’s Operation Allied Force in the former Yugoslavia. Flying directly from Missouri in the United States to Serbia and back, the bombers conducted precision strikes on key Serbian targets such as airfields and command centres. The missions lasted over 30 hours and marked the bomber’s first real-world test.<h2>Afghanistan (2001–2002)</h2>During the early stages of the war in Afghanistan, B-2 bombers hit Taliban bunkers, training camps, and cave complexes. The missions began in the US and involved mid-air refuelling, proving the B-2’s global reach and endurance.<h2>Iraq (2003)</h2>In March 2003, B-2s were used in the opening strikes of the Iraq War. They dropped bunker-buster bombs on Saddam Hussein’s suspected command bunkers and missile facilities, playing a key role in disabling leadership and air defences early in the campaign.<h2>Libya (2011)</h2>As part of NATO’s Operation Odyssey Dawn, the US sent three B-2 bombers from the continental US to bomb airfields and hardened aircraft shelters in Libya. This surprise attack helped enforce a no-fly zone and crippled Libya’s air power within hours.<h2>Syria (2017)</h2>Although not officially confirmed, multiple reports suggest that B-2 bombers were used in strikes against ISIS in eastern Syria. These missions allegedly involved the use of GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators, which are designed to hit deep, fortified targets.<h2>Yemen (2024)</h2>In October 2024, the US used B-2 bombers to strike Iran-backed Houthi rebel facilities in Yemen. The Pentagon described the move as a “unique demonstration” of the B-2’s ability to hit deeply buried and hardened sites, with then-Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin highlighting its strategic significance.<h2>Iran (2025)</h2>In the most recent and perhaps most significant deployment, the US used B-2 bombers in June 2025 to strike three major Iranian nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. President Donald Trump called the operation a “spectacular military success”, claiming the sites had been “completely and fully obliterated.”

The B-2 Spirit is a long-range stealth bomber developed by Northrop Grumman. Built to avoid radar detection, it can fly over 11,000km without refueling and carry a mix of conventional and nuclear weapons.

The United States on Sunday (June 22) struck Iran's three nuclear sites, Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran. US President Donald Trump confirmed the attack, adding that B-2 stealth bombers were involved in the attack. This is not the first time the US has deployed B-2 bombers in combat. Here’s every known time the B-2 has flown into battle. What is the B-2 bomber? The B-2 Spirit is a long-range stealth bomber developed by Northrop Grumman. Built to avoid radar detection, it can fly over 11,000km without refueling and carry a mix of conventional and nuclear weapons. Also read: 'US joined after witnessing Israel’s impotence': Iran's President breaks silence after US strike on nuclear sites - What he said First use: Kosovo War (1999) The B-2 made its combat debut during NATO’s Operation Allied Force in the former Yugoslavia. Flying directly from Missouri in the United States to Serbia and back, the bombers conducted precision strikes on key Serbian targets such as airfields and command centres. The missions lasted over 30 hours and marked the bomber’s first real-world test. Afghanistan (2001–2002) During the early stages of the war in Afghanistan, B-2 bombers hit Taliban bunkers, training camps, and cave complexes. The missions began in the US and involved mid-air refuelling, proving the B-2’s global reach and endurance. Iraq (2003) In March 2003, B-2s were used in the opening strikes of the Iraq War. They dropped bunker-buster bombs on Saddam Hussein’s suspected command bunkers and missile facilities, playing a key role in disabling leadership and air defences early in the campaign. Libya (2011) As part of NATO’s Operation Odyssey Dawn, the US sent three B-2 bombers from the continental US to bomb airfields and hardened aircraft shelters in Libya. This surprise attack helped enforce a no-fly zone and crippled Libya’s air power within hours. Syria (2017) Although not officially confirmed, multiple reports suggest that B-2 bombers were used in strikes against ISIS in eastern Syria. These missions allegedly involved the use of GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators, which are designed to hit deep, fortified targets. Yemen (2024) In October 2024, the US used B-2 bombers to strike Iran-backed Houthi rebel facilities in Yemen. The Pentagon described the move as a “unique demonstration” of the B-2’s ability to hit deeply buried and hardened sites, with then-Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin highlighting its strategic significance. Iran (2025) In the most recent and perhaps most significant deployment, the US used B-2 bombers in June 2025 to strike three major Iranian nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. President Donald Trump called the operation a “spectacular military success”, claiming the sites had been “completely and fully obliterated.”

The B-2 Spirit is a long-range stealth bomber developed by Northrop Grumman. Built to avoid radar detection, it can fly over 11,000km without refueling and carry a mix of conventional and nuclear weapons.

'Iran not the first time': How many times has US used B-2 bomber in combat?

US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that American military forces carried out a precise attack on three key nuclear sites in Iran. The development followed in response to dismantle Tehran’s nuclear capabilities. However, in retaliation, Iran threatens that the action could potentially trigger further tensions across the region.In a post on social media, Trump said, "We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. All planes are now outside of Iran air airspace. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home.”During the strike, the US military used B-2 bombers to make a precise attack on Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear facilities. It is one of the most advanced strategic weapons platforms, which has the capability of entering sophisticated air defences.<h3>Why US choose B-2 Stealth Bombers?</h3>The most advanced strategic weapons platforms, B-2 bombers, are the weapons which has the capability of carrying the Massive Ordinance Penetrator. These are the only type of bombers that could potentially sabotage the underground nuclear facilities, according to a report in Reuters.It boasts an unrefueled range exceeding 6,000 nautical miles (around 11,112 km), enabling it to strike targets globally from US mainland bases. With aerial refuelling, its reach becomes virtually unlimited, as demonstrated in past missions from Missouri to destinations like Afghanistan, Libya, and most recently, Iran.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-iran-war-us-bomb-iran-israel-iran-war-missiles-proxies-or-strait-of-hormuz-how-iran-might-hit-back-at-the-us-after-nuclear-site-bombings-1750591176138">Israel-Iran war: Missiles, proxies or Strait of Hormuz? How Iran might hit back at the US after nuclear site bombings</a>Capable of carrying over 40,000 pounds (18,144 kg) of armaments, the B-2 can deploy a wide range of conventional and nuclear weapons. Its internal weapon bays are engineered to preserve its stealth profile while accommodating heavy payloads, including up to two GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MoP), 30,000-pound precision "bunker buster" bombs.Reports indicate that six such bunker busters were deployed against Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility. The bomber operates with a two-person crew, optimising manpower while leveraging advanced automation for operational efficiency.<h3>Designed for radar-absorbing materials</h3>Its cutting-edge stealth design uses radar-absorbing materials and sleek, angular surfaces to avoid detection. The B-2’s radar signature is said to be as small as that of a bird, making it extremely difficult for enemy defences to detect.The 30,000-pound MOP signify the largest conventional bomb in the US arsenal, which is specifically designed to defeat hardened underground bunkers. The massive size of the bomb requires the B-2 to carry only one or two MOPs per mission, but it has the unmatched bunker-penetration capability.The 20.5-foot (6.25-m) length weapon with GPS-guided precision helps the weapon to target accurately against specific underground facilities. In addition, over 200 feet with hardened concrete can be penetrated, which makes this weapon quite effective against the most protected underground installations in the world.The B-2 Spirit plays a vital role in the United States' nuclear triad, with the ability to deliver strategic nuclear weapons discreetly and accurately. It is capable of carrying as many as 16 B83 nuclear bombs.&nbsp;

The US military used B-2 bombers to make a precise attack on Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear facilities of Iran. It is one of the most advanced strategic weapons platforms, which has the capability of entering sophisticated air defences.

US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that American military forces carried out a precise attack on three key nuclear sites in Iran. The development followed in response to dismantle Tehran’s nuclear capabilities. However, in retaliation, Iran threatens that the action could potentially trigger further tensions across the region. In a post on social media, Trump said, "We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. All planes are now outside of Iran air airspace. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home.” During the strike, the US military used B-2 bombers to make a precise attack on Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear facilities. It is one of the most advanced strategic weapons platforms, which has the capability of entering sophisticated air defences. Why US choose B-2 Stealth Bombers? The most advanced strategic weapons platforms, B-2 bombers, are the weapons which has the capability of carrying the Massive Ordinance Penetrator. These are the only type of bombers that could potentially sabotage the underground nuclear facilities, according to a report in Reuters. It boasts an unrefueled range exceeding 6,000 nautical miles (around 11,112 km), enabling it to strike targets globally from US mainland bases. With aerial refuelling, its reach becomes virtually unlimited, as demonstrated in past missions from Missouri to destinations like Afghanistan, Libya, and most recently, Iran. Also read | Israel-Iran war: Missiles, proxies or Strait of Hormuz? How Iran might hit back at the US after nuclear site bombings Capable of carrying over 40,000 pounds (18,144 kg) of armaments, the B-2 can deploy a wide range of conventional and nuclear weapons. Its internal weapon bays are engineered to preserve its stealth profile while accommodating heavy payloads, including up to two GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MoP), 30,000-pound precision "bunker buster" bombs. Reports indicate that six such bunker busters were deployed against Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility. The bomber operates with a two-person crew, optimising manpower while leveraging advanced automation for operational efficiency. Designed for radar-absorbing materials Its cutting-edge stealth design uses radar-absorbing materials and sleek, angular surfaces to avoid detection. The B-2’s radar signature is said to be as small as that of a bird, making it extremely difficult for enemy defences to detect. The 30,000-pound MOP signify the largest conventional bomb in the US arsenal, which is specifically designed to defeat hardened underground bunkers. The massive size of the bomb requires the B-2 to carry only one or two MOPs per mission, but it has the unmatched bunker-penetration capability. The 20.5-foot (6.25-m) length weapon with GPS-guided precision helps the weapon to target accurately against specific underground facilities. In addition, over 200 feet with hardened concrete can be penetrated, which makes this weapon quite effective against the most protected underground installations in the world. The B-2 Spirit plays a vital role in the United States' nuclear triad, with the ability to deliver strategic nuclear weapons discreetly and accurately. It is capable of carrying as many as 16 B83 nuclear bombs.

The US military used B-2 bombers to make a precise attack on Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear facilities of Iran. It is one of the most advanced strategic weapons platforms, which has the capability of entering sophisticated air defences.

Why US chose B-2 Stealth Bombers to target Iran's nuclear sites | Explained

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