In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, US B-2 stealth bombers conducted a daring and unprecedented attack on Iran’s Fordow nuclear enrichment facility. This strike not only marked one of the most significant military operations in recent years but also showcased the unmatched capabilities of America’s advanced bomber fleet.
According to reports by The New York Post, this mission was not just about military firepower; it was a logistical and technological feat, setting new benchmarks for modern aerial warfare.
The Attack on Iran’s Fordow Nuclear Facility
Late Saturday evening, seven B-2 Spirit bombers took off from Whiteman Air Force Base near Kansas City, embarking on an arduous 18-hour flight to Iran. Dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer, this mission was historic for its scope and precision. The Fordow facility, located deep underground, is regarded as Iran’s most crucial nuclear enrichment center.
What made this attack extraordinary was the use of the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), also known as the “bunker buster”—a weapon weighing 15 tons designed to obliterate fortified underground targets. This was the first time the US deployed such weapons in actual combat.
Why Fordow?
Fordow has been at the heart of international concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Buried under a mountain near the city of Qom, the facility is fortified to resist aerial attacks. Targeting it signals Washington’s zero-tolerance policy towards Iran’s nuclear advancements.
As the B-2s approached Iranian airspace, they were joined by a fleet of fighter jets and support aircraft. This intricate coordination involved radio silence, precision flying, and synchronised timing, highlighting America’s technological and operational superiority.
Inside the High-Tech B-2 Stealth Bombers
The B-2 Spirit, commonly referred to as the stealth bomber, is not just a war machine—it’s a flying fortress equipped for endurance. Originally developed in the late Cold War to deliver nuclear payloads on Soviet targets, the aircraft remains a linchpin of US strategic operations.
For this 36-hour round trip, the bombers weren’t just stocked with weapons but also with:
- ✅ Microwave ovens for hot meals
- ✅ Mini refrigerators for snacks and drinks
- ✅ Onboard restroom facilities
- ✅ Space for pilots to sleep while their partner flies the mission
These features ensured that the two-man crews could maintain focus and physical stamina during the gruelling operation.
The cockpit is designed to sustain pilots during extended missions that can last nearly two full days. One pilot flies while the other rests—rotating shifts to manage fatigue.
The Billion-Dollar Beasts of the Sky
Each B-2 bomber comes with a price tag of over $2 billion, making it one of the most expensive aircraft ever built. The US Air Force operates a fleet of just 19 B-2s, after losing one to a crash in 2008.
With a wingspan of 172 feet and cutting-edge stealth capabilities, the B-2 can evade even the most sophisticated enemy radar systems. Its ability to penetrate dense, heavily defended airspace makes it ideal for missions like the one targeting Fordow.
The Timeline of the Operation
- Friday Evening (US Time): B-2 bombers launch from Missouri.
- Mid-air Refuelling: Multiple in-air refuelling sessions ensure the aircraft can make the journey non-stop.
- Saturday, 6:40 PM ET: Lead B-2 drops the first GBU-57 “bunker buster” on Fordow.
- Duration of Attack: The high-stakes bombing lasted approximately 25 minutes.
- Return Journey: The B-2s completed their 36-hour round trip by returning to Missouri, marking one of the longest bombing runs in recent US military history.
What US Officials Are Saying
“This was a demonstration of unmatched global reach and precision strike capability,” said Gen. Daniel Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He described the mission as a “complex, tightly timed manoeuvre” executed flawlessly by America’s elite aircrews.
Former US President Donald Trump took to Truth Social, writing, “There is not another military in the world that could have done this.”
The sheer complexity of the operation—with radio silence, deep-penetration bombs, and coordination across multiple platforms—proved the technological dominance of the US military machine.
🇺🇸 Why This Attack Matters
- Strategic Message to Iran: The strike is a clear warning to Iran regarding its nuclear ambitions.
- Global Implications: This move may trigger diplomatic repercussions across the Middle East, particularly with nations aligned with Iran.
- Military Superiority: The operation underscores the technological edge the US holds in aerial warfare.
Historical Context: B-2’s Previous Record
Before this, the longest B-2 mission was during the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan, following the 9/11 attacks. However, the Fordow strike now stands as the new benchmark, not just in terms of distance but also in mission complexity and global geopolitical stakes.
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