Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, the U.S. has marshaled nearly its entire fleet of nuclear stealth bombers in a striking display of military might.
B-2 Spirits, reserved for the most critical missions, stand ready to deploy a global strike at a moment's notice, according to warnings from the U.S. Air Force.
Renowned for their capability to carry both conventional and nuclear payloads, these formidable aircraft soar at speeds of up to 1,000 kilometers per hour (621 miles per hour) – boasting an unparalleled ability to evade radar detection.
As the world's most expensive aircraft, each B-2 Spirit is estimated to cost £1.6 billion ($2 billion), embodying cutting-edge technology and strategic prowess.
With an impressive unrefueled range of 6,000 miles, these dual-pilot jets are meticulously designed for intercontinental operations.
Against a backdrop of heightened tensions, exemplified by Israel's vow of a robust response to Iran's recent aerial assault, the US conducted rigorous testing of its stealth bombers. (Related: Is the federal government preparing Americans for a nuclear attack?)
A squadron of 12 B-2 Spirits, out of a total fleet of 20, participated in a rare and imposing "elephant walk" and flight demonstration as part of the "Spirit Vigilance" training exercise. This intensive training regimen aims to enhance the readiness of aircrews for stealth bomber missions, showcasing synchronized taxiing and minimal interval takeoffs.
These remarkable maneuvers unfolded at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, where the 509th Bomb Wing operates.
Emphasizing the strategic significance of the B-2 Spirit, Col. Geoffrey Steeves, commander of the 509th Operations Group, underscored its role as a cornerstone of the nation's nuclear triad.
With its unmatched blend of stealth, payload capacity, and long-range striking capability, the B-2 stands as a linchpin in safeguarding national security.
This impressive display of American air power coincides with Israel's anticipated retaliatory strike against Iran, following intense diplomatic calls for restraint from the US. Israel's precision strike targeted an Iranian air force base adjacent to a vital nuclear facility near Isfahan, marking a swift response to Tehran's recent aggression.
Despite Iranian claims of successful defense measures, the latest escalation threatens to plunge relations between the two adversaries into deeper turmoil, heightening concerns of a full-scale conflict engulfing the volatile Middle East.
Things to know about B-2 Spirits
Unveiled for the first time on November 22, 1988, at United States Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, the B-2 Spirit made its maiden flight on July 17, 1989, soaring from Palmdale to Edwards Air Force Base.
The inaugural B-2, christened "Spirit of Missouri," joined the ranks of the USAF 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri on December 17, 1993. The end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Iron Curtain in December 1991 prompted Congress to reassess the role of the B-2 Spirit.
Despite its groundbreaking technology, the stealth bomber's exorbitant cost led to scrutiny. Eventually, legislation was passed reducing the U.S. Air Force's initial order of 132 aircraft to a mere 20, much to the chagrin of Northrup Grumman.
Former President Bill Clinton later sanctioned the configuration of a prototype, increasing the total ordered by the Air Force to 21.
The B-2 made its combat debut during the Kosovo War of 1998, executing 50 sorties over Yugoslavia. Subsequently, following the terrorist attacks of September 2001, B-2s played a pivotal role in America's military operations in Afghanistan. Throughout the 2000s, amid the Iraq War, B-2s undertook missions from the remote Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia and a clandestine forward operating base.
Despite its distinguished service history, the B-2 suffered a setback on Feb. 23, 2008, when one aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Andersen Air Force Base in Guam. Thankfully, both pilots ejected safely, but the aircraft was lost, leaving the Air Force with only 20 operational jets.
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