The U.S. B-2 Spirit stealth bomber stands ready to strike, amid tensions in the Middle East. Equipped with bunker-buster bombs and radar-evading tech, it gives America unmatched ability to hit hardened underground targets with precision from across the globe.
The U.S. Air Force's B-2 Spirit stealth bomber remains one of the most advanced and lethal strategic aircraft in the world. Built for deep-penetration missions into heavily defended enemy territory, the B-2 is designed to evade radar systems and deliver precision strikes on high-value targets, including deeply buried nuclear facilities.
Amid renewed tensions with Iran, the platform’s strategic importance has become more evident than ever. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed on Wednesday that the military is fully prepared to execute any orders given by President Donald Trump concerning Iran, stressing that Tehran missed its opportunity to reach a deal before Israeli airstrikes began last Friday (13 June). That same day, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected Trump’s call for unconditional surrender, prompting the U.S. president to declare that his patience had run out, though he offered no insight into what might come next.
Developed by Northrop Grumman, the B-2 Spirit is the most expensive aircraft ever built, with a unit cost of approximately $2.1 billion. Though conceived during the Cold War, its production was significantly reduced following the collapse of the Soviet Union, resulting in the construction of only 21 bombers.
Despite its age, the B-2 remains unmatched in its operational capability. With a flight range exceeding 6,000 nautical miles without refuelling, it can launch from bases in the continental United States and strike virtually any target around the globe. This reach is further extended by its compatibility with aerial refuelling. The bomber’s payload capacity of more than 40,000 pounds enables it to carry a diverse mix of conventional and nuclear weapons. Internally housed in stealth-preserving weapons bays, these armaments can include two 30,000-pound GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrators—precision-guided “bunker buster” bombs capable of destroying even the most hardened underground facilities.
The B-2 is crewed by just two pilots, thanks to its highly automated systems, which ensure full mission effectiveness while reducing the number of personnel needed. Its distinctive flying-wing design incorporates radar-absorbing materials and an angular shape that significantly reduces its radar signature. In fact, its radar cross-section is often compared to that of a small bird, making it almost invisible to traditional detection systems.
Among the B-2’s most formidable payloads is the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), a 30,000-pound bomb designed to breach deeply fortified underground targets. With a length of more than 6 metres (20 feet) and a GPS-guided targeting system, the MOP can penetrate more than 60 metres (200 feet) of reinforced concrete, making it ideal for use against nuclear research and weapons development sites buried deep within mountains or underground bunkers.
In addition to its bunker-busting capability, the B-2 offers a broad array of conventional precision-strike options. Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) allow the aircraft to strike fixed targets with GPS-guided accuracy, while Joint Standoff Weapons (JSOWs) extend the engagement range and keep the bomber outside heavily defended airspace.
The B-2 can also carry Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSMs), including the extended-range variant (JASSM-ER), which enables the aircraft to hit targets more than 804 kilometres (500 miles) away with stealth and precision.
Crucially, the B-2 serves as a central pillar of the United States' nuclear triad. It is capable of delivering strategic nuclear weapons, including up to 16 B83 nuclear bombs, making it a key component of the country’s deterrence strategy. Its ability to fly undetected into contested airspace, strike with devastating precision, and return safely to base gives the U.S. a powerful strategic advantage in both conventional and nuclear scenarios.
From combat missions over Afghanistan to long-range operations targeting Libya, the B-2 has repeatedly demonstrated its operational range and tactical value. Flights originating from Missouri have spanned more than 30 hours, showcasing the endurance and reach of this stealth platform. As global security threats continue to evolve, the B-2 Spirit remains a symbol of U.S. military power, readiness, and technological supremacy.
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