Largest B-2 Stealth Bomber Mission Revealed
- military operation saw seven B-2 stealth bombers penetrate Iranian airspace undetected Saturday, striking nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
- The bombers launched from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, requiring multiple aerial refuelings to reach their targets over 6,000 miles away.
- This operation marked the first combat deployment of the GBU-57 Bunker-Buster Bomb, a 30,000-pound weapon designed to destroy heavily fortified underground facilities.
Seven B-2 stealth bombers executed a daring mission, striking Iranian nuclear facilities in a complex operation, showcasing the U.S. military’s crucial role in global security. This remarkable strike involved penetrating Iranian airspace undetected, targeting Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan wiht unprecedented precision. The mission, the largest B-2 sortie ever, employed GBU-57 Bunker-buster bombs, highlighting the strength of U.S. defense.Retired Lt. Gen. Richard Newton emphasized the strategic impact and the crucial role of international cooperation, noting the Israeli military’s role in creating the opportunity. For insights into the strategic complexity, aerial refuelings, and the first combat use of this advanced ordnance, News Directory 3 has the details. Discover what’s next as the U.S. military evaluates the long-term effects.
U.S. Stealth Bombers Strike Iranian Nuclear Facilities in Complex Operation
Updated June 22,2025
A daring U.S. military operation saw seven B-2 stealth bombers penetrate Iranian airspace undetected Saturday, striking nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Retired Lt. Gen. Richard Newton,who previously commanded a B-2 squadron,called the mission “remarkable” for its scale and precision. The successful strike highlights the U.S. military’s role in addressing global security concerns and the strategic importance of maintaining a strong defense posture.
The bombers launched from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, requiring multiple aerial refuelings to reach their targets over 6,000 miles away. According to Newton, the aircraft carried minimal fuel initially due to the weight of their ordnance, later refueling with KC-135 tanker aircraft.
This operation marked the first combat deployment of the GBU-57 Bunker-Buster Bomb, a 30,000-pound weapon designed to destroy heavily fortified underground facilities. The precision strike involved the deployment of 14 of these massive bombs, Newton said.
The complex operation also included intelligence and surveillance aircraft, Navy F-18 fighters providing electronic warfare support, and Air Force and Navy fighters suppressing enemy air defenses before the B-2s entered iranian airspace. Newton emphasized the complexity of the mission, noting the highly controlled nature of Iranian airspace over the nuclear facilities.
Newton said Israeli military operations over the past 10 days created the strategic opportunity for the U.S. mission. Israel’s air campaign helped create conditions that enabled American forces to operate effectively in the region, demonstrating the importance of international cooperation in addressing security threats.
“The aircraft actually ingressed into the target and struck the targets at Natanz and also at Fordow and then exited Iranian airspace without any detection at all, without a single shot fired,” Newton said. “This is remarkable. It’s also the largest B2 strike sortie ever.”
What’s next
The U.S. military will likely assess the long-term impact of the strikes on Iran’s nuclear capabilities and continue to monitor the region for any escalatory actions.