In an unusual and daring military action, the United States conducted airstrikes early Sunday against Iran’s nuclear facilities with precision B-2 stealth bombers and bunker-buster bombs.
President Donald Trump, announcing the operation moments after it came to an end, said that bombers were employed to attack three strategic nuclear sites; Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. “The American jets were safely on their way home,” he added, confirming that a complete load of bombs was dropped on the targets, including Fordow.
In a report by The New York Times quoting US officials, the B-2 bombers took off from a Missouri airbase, flew more than 11,400 miles to cover the distance to Iran, and returned after flying a non-stop 37-hour round trip. The aircraft refueled several times in mid-air for the operation.
The US Air Force employed six bunker-buster bombs on the buried Fordow plant, while 30 Tomahawk missiles hit the Natanz and Esfahan targets. Trump said in a media briefing that “Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities were completely obliterated” and made a warning: further action will be taken if Iran didn’t seek peace.
What Makes the B-2 Stealth Bomber So Critical?
The B-2 Spirit is one of the most technologically advanced and survivable aircraft in the US Air Force inventory. The aircraft, noted for its stealth technology, is engineered to avoid the most advanced enemy air defenses and strike at all altitudes.
The US military, says Fox News, sent six bunker-buster bombs to specifically knock out the Fordow facility. The B-2 is at present the sole aircraft in the American inventory which can deliver the Massive Ordnance Penetrator, a weapon meant to wipe out targets buried deep. With its cutting-edge design and technology, it can serve as a decisive player in missions that demand deep penetration and high accuracy.