The United States deployed its B-2 Spirit stealth bombers in a high-stakes mission on Saturday, targeting three of Iran’s nuclear facilities—including Fordow—in what President Donald Trump described as a “very successful attack.”
The B-2, built by Northrop Grumman, is one of the most advanced and expensive military aircraft ever made, costing about $2.1 billion each. Only 21 were produced due to the post-Cold War defense drawdown.
With a range of over 6,000 nautical miles and global strike capabilities, the B-2 is capable of flying non-stop from the U.S. to nearly any target worldwide—especially with midair refueling. It can carry more than 40,000 pounds of weaponry internally to maintain stealth.
For this mission, reports indicate the B-2s used six GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs), also known as “bunker busters.” These 30,000-pound bombs are designed to smash through over 200 feet of hardened concrete, making them ideal for attacking underground nuclear facilities like Fordow.
In addition to bunker busters, the B-2 can be armed with:
- JDAMs (Joint Direct Attack Munitions): GPS-guided bombs for pinpoint strikes.
- JSOWs (Joint Standoff Weapons): Glide bombs that allow strikes from beyond enemy air defenses.
- JASSM-ER (Extended Range): Stealthy missiles with a 500+ mile range.
As part of America’s nuclear triad, the B-2 is also capable of delivering up to 16 B83 nuclear bombs, though Saturday’s strike involved conventional weapons.
Equipped with radar-absorbing materials and a near bird-sized radar profile, the B-2’s design allows it to evade detection, strike with precision, and return undetected—making it a core asset for U.S. strategic missions.