The United States launched precision airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure on Saturday using its B-2 Spirit stealth bombers in a significant military escalation. The fortified Fordow enrichment complex, which President Donald Trump referred to as the “crown jewel” of Iran’s nuclear program, was one of three locations targeted by the mission.
Trump declared, “Fordow is gone,” describing the operation as a “very successful attack.”
A unique look at the capabilities of the B-2 Spirit, an aircraft built to evade air defenses, strike hardened bunkers, and return undetected, is provided by the strikes, which involved some of the most cutting-edge aircraft in the US arsenal.
What is the B-2 Spirit?
One of the most advanced and covert airplanes ever constructed is the B-2 Spirit. During the Cold War, Northrop Grumman created the bomber, which was intended for deep-penetration operations in disputed airspace. According to news agency Reuters, only 21 were manufactured following the fall of the Soviet Union, and each unit cost an estimated $2.1 billion.
The aircraft has a radar cross-section reportedly similar to that of a small bird because of its bat-like shape and radar-absorbing materials, which make it almost undetectable to radar. The B-2, which has a two-pilot crew, is highly automated to minimize human labor and risk.
Why was it used in the Iran strikes on nuclear sites?
The B-2 is perfectly equipped to strike highly valuable, heavily fortified targets, particularly those buried deep below, because to its unique blend of stealth, range, and payload.
The GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), a 30,000-pound (13,600-kilogram) bunker-buster bomb made especially to demolish fortified underground complexes like Fordow, was reportedly carried by the bombers during Saturday’s mission. Each B-2 is only able to carry one or two bombs per mission because to the bomb’s weight and size.
According to reports, six MOPs were dropped on Fordow, a complex surrounded by layers of anti-aircraft defenses and situated behind a mountain. Such an operation was thought to require the use of the B-2, the sole aircraft in the US fleet that was designed to carry the MOP.
What can it carry, and how far can it fly?
The B-2 can carry out long-distance missions from the continental United States because of its range of more than 6,000 nautical miles (11,000 km) without refueling. From Missouri to Afghanistan, Libya, and now Iran, the aircraft has flown on missions all across the world.
Its payload, which consists of both conventional and nuclear warheads, surpasses 40,000 pounds (18,144 kg). As part of the US nuclear triad, it has the capacity to deliver up to 16 B83 nuclear bombs.
What other weapons does it possess?
The B-2 is capable of carrying a variety of conventional weaponry in addition to the MOP. These consist of:
Joint Direct Attack Munitions, or JDAMs, are GPS-guided bombs that can hit stationary targets with extreme precision.
Joint Standoff Weapons (JSOW) are glide bombs that are intended to attack targets that are beyond the enemy’s air defenses.
Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM and JASSM-ER) are long-range cruise missiles; the extended-range version can hit targets up to 500 miles (805 km) distant.
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