Operation Midnight Hammer, launched by U.S. military, operated to targeted various Iranian nuclear facilities for halting its Uranium enrichment in ongoing Iran-Isreal war. Three facilities were Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The operation aimed to neutralize Iran’s nuclear program, specifically targeting deeply buried and fortified nuclear sites to degrade Iran’s nuclear weapons infrastructure, in coordination with U.S. ally Israel. Over 125 aircraft participated, including seven B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, each with two crew members, supported by fourth- and fifth-generation fighters, dozens of aerial refuelling tankers. It included intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft and guided missile submarines. Operation Midnight Hammer marked a significant milestone in the B-2’s operational history, described as the largest B-2 strike in U.S. history and the second-longest B-2 mission, lasting for various hours.
14 GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bombs, each weighing 30,000 pounds, were dropped by B-2s on Fordow and Natanz. This marked the first operational use of the MOP, designed to destroy deeply buried, hardened targets. Various Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles (TLAMs) were launched from U.S. submarine targeting surface infrastructure at Isfahan. A number of precision-guided munitions were employed in total, including potential use of ADM-160 Miniature Air-Launched Decoys (MALDs) for deception.
The operation was highly classified, with congressional leaders informed only after its completion, raising concerns about transparency, though prior approval was not required as the U.S. did not declare war on Iran. The strikes escalated tensions in the Middle East, following Israel’s earlier attacks on Iranian targets. Iran’s potential retaliation, including missile or drone strikes or attempts to close the Strait of Hormuz, remains a concern. While President Trump and Pentagon officials hailed the operation as a “spectacular military success,” analysts note that completely halting Iran’s nuclear ambitions may be challenging, as enriched uranium stockpiles may have been moved prior to the strikes.
The B-2 remains a cornerstone of U.S. nuclear deterrence power. It is capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear payloads. It operates alongside the B-52 Stratofortress and B-1 Lancer as part of the Air Force’s bomber triad.
The Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit, commonly known as the Stealth Bomber, is a key component of the United States Air Force’s strategic bombing capability. Its development and operational history reflect advancements in stealth technology, strategic deterrence, and military innovation.
During 1970s, The B-2 program began as part of the U.S. Air Force’s effort to develop a stealth aircraft capable of penetrating advanced enemy air defences. The program was initiated under the Advanced Technology Bomber (ATB) project during the Carter administration, driven by the need to counter improving Soviet radar and missile systems. In 1981, Northrop Corporation (now Northrop Grumman) won the contract to develop the B-2, leveraging its experience with stealth technology from the F-117 Nighthawk program. The B-2 was designed as a flying-wing aircraft with a low radar cross-section, incorporating radar-absorbent materials and a unique aerodynamic shape.
In 1989, The prototype B-2 made its maiden flight on July 17, 1989, from Palmdale, California. The aircraft’s design prioritized stealth, long-range capability, and the ability to carry both nuclear and conventional weapons.
Originally, 132 B-2s were planned, but the end of the Cold War and high costs reduced the order to 21 aircraft. The total program cost was approximately $44 billion, with each bomber costing around $2.1 billion (including development and production). The first operational B-2 was delivered to Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, in December 1993. The final aircraft was delivered in 1997.
The B-2’s flying-wing design, smooth surfaces, and radar-absorbent coatings minimize its radar, infrared, and visual signatures, making it nearly invisible to most air defense systems. The B-2 can carry up to 40,000 pounds of ordnance, including nuclear bombs, precision-guided munitions, and Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs). Its unrefueled range is approximately 6,000 nautical miles, extendable with in-flight refueling. Operated by a crew of two (pilot and mission commander), the B-2 features advanced avionics, including synthetic aperture radar and GPS-guided systems for precision strikes.
The B-2 saw its combat debut during Operation Allied Force in the Kosovo War, flying missions from Whiteman AFB to Serbia. It dropped JDAMs with high precision, demonstrating its ability to conduct long-range strikes with minimal detection.
B-2s flew missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, targeting Taliban and al-Qaeda positions in Afghanistan in 2001. During Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, B-2s conducted strikes against high-value targets, including Iraqi leadership and infrastructure. B-2s participated in Operation Odyssey Dawn, destroying hardened aircraft shelters in Libya in 2011. During 2017, B-2s struck ISIS targets in Libya, showcasing their continued relevance in precision strikes.
The B-2 fleet undergoes regular upgrades to maintain stealth capabilities and integrate new technologies, such as improved radar, communications, and weapons systems (e.g., the Massive Ordnance Penetrator). High maintenance costs and the complexity of maintaining stealth coatings have limited the fleet’s operational tempo. Each aircraft requires extensive upkeep in climate-controlled hangars. The B-2 is slated to be replaced by the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider, a next-generation stealth bomber under development, with initial operational capability expected in the late 2020s.
On February 23, 2008, a B-2 (Spirit of Kansas) crashed shortly after takeoff due to faulty air data sensors, marking the only B-2 loss to date. Both pilots ejected safely, but the aircraft, valued at $1.4 billion, was destroyed. he B-2’s high operational costs and limited numbers have sparked debates about its cost-effectiveness, though its unique capabilities remain unmatched. The B-2 Spirit represents a pinnacle of stealth technology and strategic bombing. Its ability to strike anywhere in the world with minimal detection has made it a symbol of U.S. military power. Despite its high costs and small fleet size, the B-2 has proven its value in multiple conflicts and continues to deter potential adversaries as part of the U.S. nuclear triad.
Galactik Views