B-2 bomber breakdown: The aircraft behind the strike on Iran

The eleventh day of the Iran-Israel war—the third major conflict between the two countries—marked a significant escalation when the United States entered the fray. On June 22 (June 21, U.S. time), American aircraft struck three Iranian nuclear facilities: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. According to former U.S. President Donald Trump, the sites were "successfully attacked." He further claimed that Fordow, considered the "crown jewel" of Iran's nuclear program, had been destroyed. So, what is known about the B-2 bombers used in the attack—aircraft that were refueled mid-flight and flew more than 20,000 kilometers without landing?

B-2 specifications

The B-2 is one of the United States' most advanced strategic weapons, capable of penetrating sophisticated air defense systems and delivering precision strikes on heavily fortified targets such as underground nuclear research facilities.

The B-2 bomber is also the most expensive military aircraft ever built, with an estimated cost of \$2.1 billion per unit. Developed by Northrop Grumman, its stealth technology—designed to evade radar detection—was pioneered in the late 1980s. However, with the Cold War's conclusion, the program was scaled back, and only 21 units were ultimately produced.

The B-2's unrefueled range of 11,112 kilometers allows it to carry out long-range strikes from continental U.S. bases to nearly any point on the globe. With in-flight refueling, the bomber can extend its operational reach indefinitely, a capability demonstrated in past missions over Afghanistan, Libya, and now Iran.

With a payload capacity of over 18 tons, the B-2 can carry a broad spectrum of conventional and nuclear weapons. Its internal weapons bays are designed to house large munitions while preserving stealth capabilities, most notably the 13.6-ton GBU-57A/B bunker-buster bomb.

According to reports, six such bombs were dropped on the Fordow nuclear research facility.

The B-2 is operated by a two-person crew supported by advanced automated systems, enabling high mission efficiency while reducing physical demands on personnel.

Its stealth design features radar-absorbing materials and angular surfaces, making it almost invisible to enemy air defenses. On radar screens, it appears no larger than a bird.

Bunker-busting bombs

The 13.6-ton GBU-57A/B bunker-busting bomb is the largest non-nuclear weapon in the U.S. arsenal. Designed to destroy fortified underground structures, it is among the most powerful conventional weapons in existence.

Due to its size, the B-2 can typically carry only one or two of these bombs per sortie. However, their destructive capability is unparalleled.

Each bomb is GPS-guided and can strike targets with pinpoint accuracy. It is capable of penetrating up to 60 meters of reinforced concrete, making it ideal for neutralizing the world’s most heavily protected bunkers.

Typical payloads

JDAM system. This system transforms standard bombs into high-precision weapons, offering accuracy within 5 meters. The B-2 can deploy multiple JDAMs simultaneously to engage several targets with high effectiveness.

JSOW bomb. The Joint Stand-Off Weapon enables the B-2 to hit distant targets without entering hostile airspace. Its glide-wing design extends the aircraft’s strike range while maintaining stealth integrity.

JASSM missile. The Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile is a long-range, radar-evading weapon capable of striking targets up to 370 kilometers away. The extended-range version, JASSM-ER, can reach 805 kilometers, enhancing the B-2's reach even further.

Nuclear weapons delivery capability

The B-2 is a critical component of the U.S. nuclear triad, offering strategic nuclear delivery capability with unmatched stealth and accuracy. It can carry up to 16 B83 nuclear bombs, making it one of the most potent assets in the U.S. military’s nuclear deterrence strategy.