What are B-2 Stealth Bombers and why US used it to target nuclear sites in Iran
After days of speculation, the United States joined the Israel-Iran conflict after the American military struck three sites in Iran in a move that is set to escalate tensions in the Middle East. A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber (C) is flanked by 4 U.S. Marine Corps F-35 fighters.(REUTERS)
US President Donald Trump, who made the announcement, said B-2 stealth bombers were used to attack three nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, calling it a historic moment for the US, Israel and the world.
Though Trump stated that B-2 stealth bombers were used in the operation, the US President did not specify which types of bombs were dropped at the Iranian facilities.
Also Read: 'Fordow is gone': Trump signals major blow to Iran's nuclear programme after US strikes What is the B-2 stealth bomber?
B-2 stealth bomber is a first-of-its-kind arsenal in the US Air Force and has been the backbone of the American stealth technology for three decades.
After its first flight in 1989, the aircraft remains one of the most survivable aircraft in the world, with the capability to penetrate the most sophisticated enemy defences, according to its manufacturer Northrop Grumman. Why Trump Deployed B-2 Bomber in Iran?
There has been growing speculation ever since B-2 stealth bombers were headed to Guam on Saturday.
It was being speculated that the Trump administration would use the 30,000-pound Massive Ordnance Penetrator to target the underground uranium enrichment facility in Fordrow.
However, the speculations were put to rest after Trump announced attacking three sites in Iran, including Fordrow, to decapitate the country's nuclear program.
The B-2 is the only US fighter jet capable of carrying the Massive Ordnance Penetrator on bombing missions, with each bomber having the capability to carry two such bombs.
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