The tension between Israel and Iran has peaked with America's air strike on three nuclear sites in Iran. One weapon, in particular, has caught global attention - the B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber, which targeted the Fordo nuclear site located 80% deep beneath mountains in Iran. Former Indian Airforce officer Ajay Ahlawat shared how US B-2 Bombers flew from Missouri to Iran, revealing the cost and capabilities of this remarkable aircraft.
40-Hour Flight to Strike
The US B-2 Bombers embarked from Missouri and successfully returned after striking Iran's three nuclear sites - Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. What stands out is the extensive live reporting by global media as the events unfolded. Ahlawat detailed on his social media about the bomber, an invisible destroyer, and the most advanced and expensive weapon in the US Air Force array, eluding radar detection.
Cost of the B-2 Bomber
Let’s delve into the economics of military prowess. Crafted by Northrop Grumman, each B-2 Bomber costs over $2.2 billion (around 19,000 crore rupees), a hefty price for unmatched ability. These bombers carry the 13,600 kg GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs, capable of penetrating concrete bunkers 200 feet deep. Each bomb carries a cost tag of approximately $20 million (about 173 crore rupees).
The Mission Spanning Over 40 Hours
According to a US official speaking to Reuters, B-2 bombers launched from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri took part in this ambitious mission. For over 40 hours, these formidable aircraft deployed bunker-buster bombs, particularly designed for operations against heavily fortified sites like Fordo.
Source: aajtak
Donald Trump Speaks: 'Fordo Is Gone...'
Highlighting the B-2 Bomber's features, this jet spans 69 feet long, 172 feet wide, and 17 feet tall. It weighs 71,700 kg unladen and 170,000 kg fully loaded, yet manages precision targeting effortlessly. Reports indicate that the US has merely 20 B-2 bombers. Only 21 were produced post-Cold War, with the first unit, Spirit of Missouri, delivering in 1993. Its speed reaches 1010 km/hr, with a range of 11,000 km.
US President Donald Trump hailed this B-2 strike on Iranian nuclear sites as a military triumph, asserting that Iran's nuclear enrichment potential is obliterated. Via a Truth Social post, he proclaimed, 'Fordo is gone.'
