By syndicated reports
The Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit stealth aircraft bomber, which reportedly attacked Iran’s nuclear sites on Sunday night, 22 June, 2025 is said to be one of the most advanced flying machines ever built.
This aircraft unique feature takes its design cues from nature, specifically the sleek, aerodynamic profile of a peregrine falcon in flight; the world’s fastest animal capable of reaching average speeds of over 300km/hr when diving.
Its flying wing structure is not just visually striking, it reduces drag and allows for smoother, more efficient movement through the air.
But the resemblance goes deeper than looks. This biomimicry helps the B-2 remain nearly invisible to radar, a key advantage in stealth missions.
Its shape plays a crucial role in both evading detection and enabling long-range performance, as it can traverse continents at incredible speeds without being detected by radar.
Ex-IAF officer hails US strike capability, says it costs a lot of money
B-2 Spirit is a multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions (Photo by Reuters)
Former Indian Air Force officer Ajay Ahlawat on Sunday highlighted the scale and precision of the US mission to strike three Iranian nuclear facilities, noting that B-2 bombers flew over 40 hours from Missouri to Iran and back, delivering weapons despite the operation being reported live worldwide.
“B-2 bombers got airborne from Missouri in USA. Flew over 40 hrs. Delivered weapons over Iran, and returned safely. This despite, the whole world reporting it live,” Ahlawat wrote on X, referring to the US airstrikes that hit Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites on Sunday.
Aircraft cost, sophistication of strike mission
“Such capability costs a lot of money. B-2 cost over 2.2 billion per aircraft. GBU 57 cost 20 million per bomb,” he added, pointing to the expense and sophistication of the strike mission.”
America’s B-2 Spirit stealth bombers are among the most advanced strategic platforms in the US arsenal.
Each bomber, developed by Northrop Grumman, is estimated to cost around $2.1 billion and can carry up to 40,000 pounds of weaponry while maintaining a low radar profile.
https://youtube.com/shorts/OBY8y6hV_is?si=hELeXsoL2CJrqTGB
A US official told Reuters that B-2 bombers were involved in the strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. B-2 bombers flew from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, the aircraft’s only operational base, for a round-trip mission lasting more than 40 hours.
The bombers targeted Iran’s hardened nuclear infrastructure with bunker-buster bombs, including the 30,000-pound GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, designed to strike fortified underground facilities like Fordow.
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Trump celebrates strike
US President Donald Trump described the strike as a “spectacular military success” and said Iran’s nuclear enrichment capability had been “completely and totally obliterated.” “Fordow is gone!” he declared in a post on Truth Social.
Reuters reported that six such bunker-busting bombs were dropped on the Fordow nuclear facility, once considered the most heavily protected site in Iran’s nuclear network.
The B-2’s range of over 6,000 nautical miles without refueling allows it to strike targets across the globe.
With aerial refueling, the bomber can hit virtually any location, maintaining strategic reach from the continental United States.
B-2 bomber radar-evading features
Its internal weapon bays, and automation systems allow the two-pilot aircraft to execute complex missions while remaining nearly invisible to enemy air defenses.
The B-2 bomber’s stealth design uses radar-absorbing materials and carefully engineered angles to reduce its visibility to radar systems.
Its radar cross-section is often compared to that of a small bird, allowing it to operate deep inside enemy territory with minimal detection by conventional air defenses.
In addition to carrying conventional munitions like JDAMs (Joint Direct Attack Munitions), JSOWs (Joint Standoff Weapons), and JASSMs, the B-2 can also deliver up to 16 B83 nuclear bombs, making it a critical element of the US nuclear triad.
Only 21 B-2s were built after the Cold War reduced demand for long-range bombers. The first unit, Spirit of Missouri, was delivered in 1993.
Iran retaliates, launches missiles at American bases in Qatar, Iraq – Official
Iran had vowed to retaliate after the US bombed three of its major nuclear facilities on Sunday.
Consequently, in what looks like a swift reaction, Iran has reportedly launched missiles at US bases in Qatar and Iraq, as the Iranian state-run television said that there were large explosions in Doha, the Qatari capital.
But it was unclear, the effects of the strike as at the time of this report though loud explosions were heard in Qatar where the US has its Al Udeid Air Base, according to the BBC account.
It is noted that the US and the UK had earlier warned their citizens in Qatar to shelter in place until further notice; with the US saying it had reports that Iran would attack its interests in Qatar.
This is as Qatar has also temporarily closed its airspace to all flights.
The US attacks on Iranian facilities; it is in support of Israel, who began the war on Iran on the 13th June.
As it is on record that both sides have suffered fatalities since hostilities began; with no less than hundreds of people killed on the Iranian side following Israeli attacks and dozens also killed on the Israeli side by Iran’s retaliation.
With inputs from Reuters
Source: Business Today
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