What is the B-2 Spirit? Inside the US Stealth Bomber Used in Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites

In a significant military escalation, the United States deployed its highly classified B-2 Spirit stealth bombers for a precision airstrike on Iran’s fortified nuclear infrastructure. The mission, personally announced by President Donald Trump, targeted three key sites — including the Fordow enrichment facility, often labeled the “crown jewel” of Iran’s nuclear program.

“Fordow is gone,” Trump declared, describing the mission as a “very successful attack.”

The B-2 Spirit, a strategic stealth bomber developed during the Cold War, was central to the operation due to its unique ability to evade sophisticated radar systems and penetrate deep into enemy territory undetected.

What is the B-2 Spirit Bomber?

The B-2 Spirit is one of the most advanced and secretive military aircraft in the world. Built by Northrop Grumman, the bomber was developed to carry out deep-penetration strikes against heavily defended targets. Originally intended for Cold War-era missions, only 21 units were ever built, each costing around $2.1 billion.

Its distinctive bat-wing shape and radar-absorbing surface materials dramatically reduce its radar cross-section — making it nearly invisible to enemy detection. The bomber is piloted by a two-person crew and features high levels of automation to manage its complex systems and reduce pilot fatigue during long missions.

Why Was the B-2 Chosen for the Iran Airstrikes?

Saturday’s operation highlighted the B-2’s unique strengths: stealth, range, and heavy payload capacity. These features made it the ideal platform to strike hardened underground nuclear targets such as Iran’s Fordow facility, which lies deep beneath a mountain and is shielded by advanced air defense systems.

For this mission, the B-2s were equipped with GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs) — enormous 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs designed to destroy underground facilities. Each B-2 can carry one or two MOPs per sortie due to the size and weight of the weapon.

According to reports, six MOPs were dropped on Fordow during the mission, illustrating the bomber's critical role in bypassing defenses and striking at the heart of fortified installations.

Range and Capabilities of the B-2

The B-2 boasts an impressive operational range of over 6,000 nautical miles (approximately 11,000 km) without needing to refuel, allowing it to fly directly from U.S. bases to distant targets across the globe. Past missions have taken it from Missouri to Afghanistan, Libya, and now, Iran.

It can carry more than 40,000 pounds (about 18,144 kilograms) of payload, including both conventional and nuclear weapons, making it a key component of the United States' nuclear triad.

What Other Weapons Can the B-2 Carry?

Besides the MOP, the B-2 Spirit is capable of deploying a variety of smart munitions, including:

JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munitions): GPS-guided bombs designed to hit static targets with pinpoint accuracy.

JSOW (Joint Standoff Weapons): Glide bombs capable of being released from outside enemy defense range.

JASSM & JASSM-ER (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles): Long-range, precision-guided cruise missiles. The extended-range version can strike targets up to 500 miles (805 km) away.

It can also deliver up to 16 B83 nuclear bombs, one of the most powerful weapons in the U.S. arsenal.