- Event: U.S. military launched the largest B-2 stealth bomber operation in history, targeting three Iranian nuclear sites: Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan.
- Operation Details:
- 7 B-2 stealth bombers participated.
- Supported by 125+ U.S. military aircraft.
- Used ~75 precision-guided weapons, including:
- 14 x 30,000 lb bunker buster bombs
- 30+ Tomahawk cruise missiles from submarines.
- Deception Tactics:
- Two B-2s flew westward as decoys.
- Remaining bombers flew east with minimal communication to evade detection.
- Fighter jets entered Iranian airspace first to clear the path of threats.
- Timing:
- Bombers entered Iranian airspace around 6:00 PM ET.
- Bunker busters hit Fordo and Natanz.
- Tomahawks struck Isfahan and Natanz.
- Tech Highlights:
- Bunker busters contain layered insensitive explosives and delayed fuses to penetrate deep underground without premature detonation.
- Tomahawks are maneuverable, drone-like missiles capable of mid-flight course changes.
- Mission Duration:
- 37-hour round trip from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri.
- Multiple mid-air refuels were required.
- Strategic Objective:
- Not regime change.
- Meant to cripple nuclear capabilities while showing unmatched U.S. strike capability.
- Future Concerns:
- U.S. bases in the region are on high alert for possible Iranian retaliation.
- Potential targets include air bases, due to their strategic importance.
