US B-2 Bombers, Key Features and Strategic Importance

Discover how US B-2 bombers carried out Operation Midnight Hammer, destroying Iran’s key nuclear sites using GBU-57 bunker busters and cruise missiles in a 37-hour precision strike.

Table of Contents

On June 21–22, 2025, the United States Air Force carried out a historic and precision airstrike mission dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer. In one of the most daring and complex missions in recent military history, B-2A Spirit stealth bombers led a 37-hour non-stop round-trip mission to destroy Iran’s most fortified nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

This mission showcased the unmatched stealth, precision, and payload capacity of the B-2 bombers, along with the combat debut of the powerful GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP)—a bunker-busting bomb capable of destroying deeply buried nuclear assets.

US B-2 Bombers

The U.S. conducted a major airstrike on Iran’s underground nuclear sites using B-2 stealth bombers and bunker buster bombs, targeting facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

About US B-2 Bombers
Type	U.S. long-range, all-altitude stealth strategic bomber
Manufacturer	Northrop Grumman Corporation
Cost	Approx. $2.1 billion per unit – the world’s most expensive military aircraft
Key Features & Capabilities	Low radar observability due to flying-wing design, radar-absorbent materials, and reduced infrared signature Global reach with aerial refuelling Can carry both conventional and nuclear weapons Internal bays are designed to maintain stealth while housing large weapons Only aircraft capable of carrying the GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP)

What Was Operation Midnight Hammer?

Operation Midnight Hammer was a top-secret U.S. military campaign launched in response to escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. Amid rising fears of Iran crossing the nuclear threshold, the U.S. executed a strategic preemptive strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

Key Highlights:

Mission Duration: 37 hours round trip
Aircraft Involved: 125 U.S. military aircraft, including 7 B-2A Spirits
Targets: Fordow, Natanz, Isfahan
Weapons Used: GBU-57 MOP bombs, Tomahawk cruise missiles
Operation Timeframe: 22:40–23:05 GMT on June 21

How Did B-2 Bombers Play a Key Role?

The B-2 Spirit bomber, known for its stealth capabilities and long-range endurance, was pivotal to Operation Midnight Hammer’s success.

Flight Duration: The six B-2 bombers took off from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, flying over 7,000 miles nonstop with multiple mid-air refuelings.
Stealth Technology: Equipped with radar-absorbing materials and an ultra-low radar cross-section, the B-2s evaded Iran’s sophisticated air defenses, including Russian-made surface-to-air missile systems.
Payload Capacity: Each B-2 could carry up to two Massive Ordnance Penetrators internally, preserving stealth while delivering destructive power.
Precision Targeting: Advanced onboard navigation and targeting systems enabled pinpoint strikes on underground hardened facilities.

The Weapons: GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator & Tomahawk Missiles

GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP)

Weight: Approximately 30,000 pounds (13,600 kg).
Penetration: Capable of burrowing through up to 200 feet of earth or 60 feet of reinforced concrete before detonating.
Purpose: Specifically designed to destroy deep underground bunkers, like the fortified Fordow nuclear site.
Operational Use: 14 MOP bombs were dropped on Fordow and Natanz during the strike.

Tomahawk Cruise Missiles

Launch Platform: Submarine-launched.
Use: Targeted surface and above-ground infrastructure at Natanz and Isfahan.
Precision: Renowned for high accuracy and reliability.

Why Target These Sites?

Fordow: Situated 300 feet under a mountain and shielded by dense air defenses, Fordow is crucial to Iran’s uranium enrichment capabilities.
Natanz: The main facility for uranium enrichment, vital to Iran’s nuclear fuel cycle.
Isfahan: Central to uranium conversion and fuel production.

Destroying these sites severely disrupted Iran’s ability to produce enriched uranium, pushing back their nuclear weapons timeline.

Strategic Importance of Operation Midnight Hammer

Showcasing U.S. Military Reach: The 37-hour flight demonstrated America’s ability to project power globally with stealth and precision.
Demonstrating Technological Superiority: The first-ever combat use of the Massive Ordnance Penetrator highlighted advances in bunker-busting technology.
Geopolitical Message: Reinforced U.S. commitment to prevent nuclear proliferation in the Middle East.
Avoiding Escalation: Despite the scale, the operation was designed to limit civilian casualties and avoid a broader conflict.

Global Reactions and Future Implications

Iran’s Response: Tehran condemned the strikes as violations of international law but reported limited damage and no radiation leaks.
International Community: Mixed reactions ranging from support for nuclear non-proliferation to warnings about escalating tensions.
Potential Retaliation: Experts warn of possible missile strikes on U.S. bases or disruption of global oil shipping lanes.
Diplomatic Fallout: The strikes complicate prospects for renewed negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program.

Conclusion

Operation Midnight Hammer represents a significant chapter in modern military history — blending advanced stealth technology, precision weapons, and strategic planning to target critical nuclear infrastructure halfway across the world. The US B-2 bombers’ role in this mission underscores the evolving nature of aerial warfare and America’s resolve to curb nuclear threats through targeted, high-impact strikes.