Latest news with #B-2StealthBomber
Courier-Mail
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Courier-Mail
Pentagon releases jaw-dropping footage showing how 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs work
Don't miss out on the headlines from Innovation. Followed categories will be added to My News. The Pentagon released stunning footage on Thursday showcasing exactly how 30,000-pound heavy-duty bunker-buster bombs work such as the ones used against Iran's nuclear sites demolished fortified targets deep underground. The video showed a GBU-57 series MOP (Massive Ordnance Penetrator) crashing into a target and kicking up a massive plume of dust moments before a blinding inferno appeared in a shaft during a test detonation. A GBU-57 series Massive Ordnance Penetrator is seen crashing into a target. Picture: Department of Defense The 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs demolish fortified targets deep underground. Picture: Department of Defense Pilots who dropped the MOPs on Iran called the blast 'the brightest explosion' they ever saw, saying, 'it literally looked like daylight'. The MOPs used in the strike — which can only be dropped by a B-2 Stealth Bomber — were developed in 2009 after the US learned of the existence of the Fordow uranium enrichment plant. The bunker buster bombs do not leave craters like traditional bombs. Picture: Department of Defense A US Air Force B-2 Spirit landing after supporting Operation 'Midnight Hammer'. Picture: US Air Force/AFP 'Unlike a normal surface bomb, you won't see an impact crater because they're designed to deeply bury and then function,' Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Lt. Gen. Dan Caine explained to reporters during a press briefing on Thursday. 'Five [weapons] were tasked to enter the main shaft moved down into the complex at greater than a thousand feet per second, and explode in the mission space … All six weapons at each vent at Fordow [uranium enrichment plant] went exactly where they were intended to go.' Another angle displayed during the briefing showed an MOP hitting a target in slow motion and cutting through the arched interior of a second ventilation shaft without detonating as it moved its way deeper through the test facility. 'A bomb has three effects that causes damage: blast, fragmentation and overpressure,' he explained. 'In this case, the primary kill mechanisms in the mission space was a mix of overpressure and blast. 'Imagine what this looks like six times over.' Unidentified pilots inside a B-2 cockpit. Picture: US Air Force How the US bomber pilots reacted Lt. Gen. Caine explained that the heroic pilots who helped drop the bombs on three of Iran's nuclear facilities in a super-secret mission over the weekend were awed by the explosive power of the devices. 'We know that the trailing jets saw the first weapons function and the pilots stated, 'This was the brightest explosion that I've ever seen. It literally looked like daylight,'' he said. He also emphasised that the MOPs don't leave 'impact' craters — shooting down scepticism that the mission wasn't successful. Satellite images released after the mission show six holes where the deep-diving bombs appeared to have penetrated the mountain above Iran's Fordow nuclear plant. The press conference was seemingly intended to disabuse reporting on a leaked 'low confidence' Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) assessment that Iran's nuclear program may have only been set back months, Lt. Gen. Caine played jaw-dropping footage of a MOP attack. A poster of the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant is displayed. Picture:/AFP Prior to developing the GBU-57, the military had assessed that it didn't have a 'weapon that could adequately strike and kill this target'. 'The crews that attacked Fordow were from the active duty Air Force and the Missouri Air National Guard,' Lt. Gen. Caine said of the pilots. 'The crews ranked from captain to colonel, and most were graduates of the Air Force weapons school headquartered at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. I will state for the record that there is no beach volleyball or football at the Air Force weapons school,' he added, making a Top Gun reference. Lt. Gen. Caine had a video call with the crews recently and noted that there were both men and women involved in the daring attack. 'This felt like the Super Bowl, the thousands of scientists, airmen and maintainers all coming together,' he remarked. 'One last story about people. When the crews went to work on Friday, they kissed their loved ones goodbye, not knowing when or if they'd be home. Pete Hegseth, left, with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Picture:/AFP 'Late on Saturday night, their families became aware of what was happening, and on Sunday, when those jets returned … their families were there, flags flying and tears flowing. I have chills, literally talking about this.' The country's highest-ranking military officer underscored that 'our forces remain on a high state of readiness in the region, prepared to defend themselves'. 'Our adversaries around the world should know that there are other DTRA [Defense Threat Reduction Agency] team members out there studying targets for the same amount of time, and we'll continue to do so,' he said of the group that developed the MOPs to use against Fordow. At one point during the briefing, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who raged at the press repeatedly, was pressed about why he congratulated the 'boys' for the successful mission. 'I'm very proud of that female pilot, just like I'm very proud of those male pilots — and I don't care if it's a male or female in that cockpit, and the American people don't care,' Mr Hegseth clapped back. 'We don't play your little games.' This article originally appeared on NY Post and was reproduced with permission Originally published as Pentagon releases jaw-dropping footage showing how 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs work
Sky News AU
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Sky News AU
Jaw-dropping footage released showing how 13,600kg bunker-buster bombs work like the ones used in historic Iran strike
The Pentagon released stunning footage Thursday showcasing exactly how 30,000-pound heavy-duty bunker-buster bombs work such as the ones used against Iran's nuclear sites demolished fortified targets deep underground. The video showed a GBU-57 series MOP (Massive Ordnance Penetrator) crashing into a target and kicking up a massive plume of dust moments before a blinding inferno appeared in a shaft during a test detonation. Pilots who dropped the MOPs on Iran called the blast 'the brightest explosion' they ever saw, saying, 'it literally looked like daylight.' The MOPs used in the strike — which can only be dropped by a B-2 Stealth Bomber — were developed in 2009 after the US learned of the existence of the Fordow uranium enrichment plant. 'Unlike a normal surface bomb, you won't see an impact crater because they're designed to deeply bury and then function,' Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Lt. Gen. Dan Caine explained to reporters during a press briefing Thursday. 'All six weapons at each vent at Fordow [uranium enrichment plant] went exactly where they were intended to go.' Another angle displayed during the briefing showed an MOP hitting a target in slow motion and cutting through the arched interior of a second ventilation shaft without detonating as it moved its way deeper through the test facility. 'A bomb has three effects that causes damage: blast, fragmentation and overpressure,' he explained. 'In this case, the primary kill mechanisms in the mission space was a mix of overpressure and blast.' 'Imagine what this looks like six times over.' Originally published as Jaw-dropping footage released showing how 13,600kg bunker-buster bombs work like the ones used in historic Iran strike
News18
22-06-2025
- Politics
- News18
What Are B-2 Bombers And Why Did The US Use Them To Strike Nuclear Sites In Iran?
Last Updated: Beyond its stealth features, the B-2 also possesses exceptional operational capabilities. It can fly up to 6,000 nautical miles without refueling In a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions, the United States has entered the Israel-Iran conflict by launching a military strike on three nuclear sites in Iran. The assault began with six Bunker Buster bombs targeting the underground Fordow facility, followed by 30 Tomahawk missiles hitting Natanz and Esfahan. FOLLOW LIVE UPDATES Announcing the operation, US President Donald Trump confirmed that B-2 stealth bombers carried out the attacks. He described it as a 'historic moment" for the US, Israel, and the global community, asserting that the strike marked a decisive step in the ongoing regional crisis. What Is The B-2 Stealth Bomber? The B-2 Spirit, commonly known as the B-2 stealth bomber, is a groundbreaking aircraft that has served as a cornerstone of American airpower and stealth technology for more than 30 years. Developed by Northrop Grumman, the B-2 represents a fusion of cutting-edge design, advanced engineering, and unrivaled battlefield survivability. First taking to the skies in 1989, the B-2 remains one of the most formidable and survivable strategic bombers in the world. It was specifically engineered to penetrate dense and sophisticated enemy air defense systems, allowing it to strike heavily fortified targets with minimal detection risk. At the heart of its power is its stealth capability. The B-2's distinct flying-wing design, combined with radar-absorbent materials and a significantly reduced infrared and acoustic signature, makes it nearly invisible to conventional radar. Its radar cross-section is estimated at just 0.001 square meters, roughly the size of a small bird, making it one of the most elusive aircraft ever built. Beyond its stealth features, the B-2 also possesses exceptional operational capabilities. It can fly up to 6,000 nautical miles without refueling, and its range can be further extended through aerial refueling, enabling long-duration missions deep into hostile territory. The aircraft is designed to operate effectively at all altitudes, including high-altitude strategic missions, and is capable of carrying a massive payload comprising both conventional and nuclear weapons. This combination of range, altitude flexibility, and strike capacity makes the B-2 one of the most versatile and powerful bombers in modern military aviation. Why Did Trump Deploy the B-2 Bomber in Iran? The deployment of B-2 stealth bombers to the Pacific island of Guam over the weekend fueled intense speculation about a potential US military strike. Analysts and observers began anticipating a significant escalation, particularly involving Iran's nuclear infrastructure. Among the concerns was the possibility that the Trump administration intended to use the 30,000-pound Massive Ordnance Penetrator—commonly known as a bunker-buster bomb—to strike Iran's heavily fortified underground uranium enrichment facility at Fordow. Given the B-2's unique ability to deliver such powerful munitions while evading advanced radar systems, its movement signaled a deliberate and calculated show of force, raising tensions and uncertainty about the US's next steps in the region. First Published: June 22, 2025, 07:24 IST
Daily Tribune
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Gulf nations lead urgent diplomatic push to prevent wider conflict
TDT | agencies As tensions escalate between Iran and Israel, Gulf nations are stepping up as voices of reason and diplomacy, launching high-level initiatives to contain the violence and avert a wider regional war. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan have held direct talks with Iran's newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian, signalling the Gulf's proactive role in seeking a peaceful resolution. The Emirati president also discussed the situation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who expressed support for mediation efforts. Underscoring the UAE's commitment, Foreign Minister S h e i k h Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan confirmed that the president has been 'conducting intensive diplomatic calls' aimed at de-escalating the conflict and preventing its spillover. In a firm yet balanced message, Sheikh Abdullah urged all parties to avoid 'reckless and miscalculated actions,' warning of broader consequences if tensions go unchecked. Oman, a longstanding regional mediator, has also activated its diplomatic channels, while Qatar continues to engage key international stakeholders. Doha, known for its mediation in the Israel-Hamas conflict and previous negotiations with Tehran, is in regular contact with the United States to support de-escalation. Prominent Gulf leaders have voiced their concern about the potential fallout of a prolonged war. Former Qatari Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani stressed that regional stability is vital, warning that the Gulf would be among the first affected by any collapse in Iran. A B-2 Stealth Bomber pulls up on the runway after landing at the Palmdale Aircraft Integration Center of Excellence in Palmdale, California on July 17, 2014, where the US Air Force and manufacturer of the B-2, Northrop Grumman, celebrated the 25th anniversary of the B-2 Stealth Bomber's first flight.
Daily Mirror
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Iran defies warnings to 'surrender' as US gears up for war again
United States war machine gears up to join Israeli air attacks on Iran's nuclear programme and military sites as region hurtles towards all-out war and Iran defies White House command to 'surrender' Iran has defied US warnings it must accept 'unconditional surrender' as Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei threatened 'irreparable damage' to America. The war of words came as Israel continued blistering attacks on Iran's nuclear research bases and many military sites with waves of strikes across the country. America's war machine is building up a huge presence in the Middle East, with squadrons of warplanes touching down in Saudi Arabia and other locations. US President Donald Trump said he had not yet decided whether the US military should join Israel's ongoing attacks on Iran, believing it was not too late to reach a nuclear deal with the Islamic Republic. He said: "I may do it, I may not do it, nobody knows what I'm going to do," he said when he was asked about America taking part in the strikes on Tehran's nuclear a nd military facilities. Asked if he believed it was too late to negotiate a new deal to halt Iran's nuclear program, which he has made clear he wants the Iranian government to abandon completely, Trump said: "Nothing's too late." He then claimed Iran had sought talks, and said they had even suggested sending a delegation for discussions at the White House. But sources also suggested Iran's regime is looking increasingly unstable with covert operations by Israel-backed dissidents trying to trigger regime change. One intelligence source told the Mirror exclusively: 'Covert political developments suggest mounting regime instability within Iran with external actors posturing for a potential post Islamic Republic transition.' Among the US warplane arrivals is the deadly heavy B-2 Stealth Bomber, the only craft capable of carrying the 13 ton GBU-57 bomb which could smash Iran's Fordow enrichment plant. Destroying Fordow is now at the top of Israel's priorities and only the GBU-57 could penetrate up to 80 metres underground to destroy it. Khamenei's TV outburst came a day after President Donald Trump demanded surrender and warned the U.S. knows where he is but has no plans to kill him, "at least not for now." Trump is considering major strikes on Iran after initially distancing himself from Israel's surprise attack on Friday but has hinted at greater American involvement. The U.S. has sent a huge number of warplanes, destroyers and even a second carrier strike force to the region creating a large-scale war machine. It is believed they are there in case of all-out war and to protect US bases throughout the Middle East and beyond. The threat of terrorism was struck home after Baghdad security officials in neighbouring Iraq warned the German Embassy of an Iran-backed terror threat to its building. Security in and around the embassy's building in Baghdad's leafy Mansour district has been stepped up along with all other western diplomatic HQs. Khamenei dismissed the "threatening and absurd statements" by Trump. He added: "Wise individuals who know Iran, its people, and its history never speak to this nation with the language of threats, because the Iranian nation is not one to surrender. "Americans should know that any military involvement by the U.S. will undoubtedly result in irreparable damage to them." An Iranian diplomat had earlier Wednesday warned that U.S. intervention would risk "all-out war." Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei did not elaborate, but thousands of American troops are based in nearby countries within range of Iran's weapons. The U.S. has threatened a massive response to any attack. Israeli strikes hit one facility used to make uranium centrifuges and another that made missile components, the Israeli military said. It said it had intercepted ten missiles overnight as Iran's retaliatory barrages diminish. The U.N. nuclear watchdog said Israel struck two centrifuge production facilities in and near Tehran. The Israeli military said it also carried out strikes in western Iran, hitting missile storage sites and a loaded missile launcher. Israeli strikes have hit several nuclear and military sites, killing top generals and nuclear scientists. Iran has fired some 400 missiles and hundreds of drones in retaliatory strikes, killing at least 24 people in Israel and wounding hundreds. The Washington-based group Human Rights Activists said it had identified 239 of those killed in Israeli strikes as civilians and 126 as security personnel. Shops have been closed across Tehran, including in its famed Grand Bazaar, as people wait in gas lines and pack roads leading out of the city to escape the onslaught. A major explosion could be heard around 5 a.m. in Tehran Wednesday morning, following other explosions earlier in the predawn darkness. Iran's ambassador to Geneva, Ali Bahreini, told reporters that Iran "will continue to produce the enriched uranium as far as we need for peaceful purposes." He rejected any talk of a setback to Iran's nuclear research and development from the Israeli strikes, saying, "Our scientists will continue their work." In a stark ultimatum, senior White House officials confirmed that the coming day would be decisive in determining whether they can avert a new conflict in the Middle East. Insiders say Trump has grown increasingly frustrated by Iran's 'measured' but 'provocative' response to Israel's offensive, and fears looking indecisive as regional tensions spiral. One source told the Mirror/ Express/ Star: 'He doesn't want to appear like he's bluffing.' Israel, meanwhile, has vowed a 'surprise' move tonight (Thurs), fuelling speculation of a strike akin to the 2019 targeted killing of Hezbollah leadership in Lebanon. Pentagon sources confirmed a significant US naval and air buildup across the region, though the White House insists American forces remain in a 'defensive posture'. Behind the scenes, the administration is actively preparing strike options should Iran fail to respond to the ultimatum. The potential for a wider war has triggered alarm among global powers, with fears the crisis could spark a conflagration stretching far beyond Israel and Iran. Trump had initially kept the US at arm's length from Israel's sudden strikes last week, but now appears to be pushing for deeper involvement, telling aides he wants 'something much bigger' than a ceasefire. Iran has vowed to continue enriching uranium, appearing to dismiss Trump's key demand that it halt its nuclear programme. Israel, which had closed its airspace at the start of the conflict, reopened it for the first time on Wednesday. Two flights from Cyprus arrived at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, bringing stranded Israelis home. Shops across Tehran remain shuttered and traffic jams stretch for miles as residents flee the capital. Fuel queues snake through neighbourhoods and many are believed to be sheltering underground. Despite the chaos, Iran has offered no signs of backing down. In his defiant message, Khamenei vowed the Iranian people would not bow to US threats: 'The Iranian nation is not one to surrender.'
