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Time of India
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Built for the USSR, invisible today: B-2 bomber's stealth so sharp that Iranian radars mistook it for a bird
How the B-2 stayed hidden Live Events Iran's weak defenses What happens now? FAQs (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel The U.S. used B-2 stealth bombers to attack Iran's nuclear sites, and Iran's radars didn't even see them. That's how stealthy the B-2 is — its radar signal is so small that Iranian systems thought it was a bird. The mission kept the element of surprise the entire time, as per the report by Business B-2 bombers flew into Iran for 18 hours and dropped 14 bunker-buster bombs. Each bomb was 30,000 pounds. This was the largest B-2 strike in U.S. history and the second-longest B-2 flight ever, as stated by bombers were supported by F-22 Raptors, F-35 Lightning II jets, and surveillance aircraft. These support jets helped clear the skies of any Iranian fighter jets or missile threats. Iran didn't fire any missiles at the American B-2 is designed to be invisible to radar using a special flying wing uses radar-absorbing materials and edge design to reduce radar signals. It gives off such a small radar signature that it can look like a bird instead of a huge bomber. The B-2 also flies silently and very low, making it even harder to spot, according to the Business Insider air defense systems are old and not well-connected with each other. Israel attacked and weakened Iran's air defenses earlier this month. Because of those earlier strikes, the U.S. had an easier time getting radar sites and missiles had already been destroyed before the B-2s even arrived. Iran's mountain areas, like near Fordow and Natanz, made radar coverage worse and easier to avoid. The strike happened at night, making it harder for Iran's human radar operators to respond, as stated by Business U.S. used total radio silence and misled the world about the timing. Trump said he'd take two weeks to decide — but the strike happened within days. Some U.S. jets flew the opposite way as decoys into the Pacific a few top planners knew about the real attack direction — it was a top-secret trick. More decoy aircraft flew with the bombers as they entered Iranian airspace to distract strike was called a major success by Trump. Still, it's not clear if Iran's nuclear program was actually stopped. Iran's scientists were likely evacuated before the strikes, and it's unknown where their nuclear material is, as per Business started this with earlier attacks on Iran's nuclear program, and the U.S. joined in later. Israel targeted Iran's top scientists, commanders, and defenses. The Trump administration had preferred diplomacy before joining the military action, as per the B-2's design makes its radar signal very small—like a bombers flew in for the mission.
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Iran eyes retaliation after US airstrikes: Key American bases now in crosshairs
Firefighters, rescue workers and military gather at the site of a direct missile strike launched from Iran in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Sunday, June 22, 2025. (Pic credit: AP) In a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions, the United States launched airstrikes on three nuclear-related sites in Iran early Sunday, inserting itself directly into Israel's ongoing military campaign aimed at crippling Tehran's nuclear program. The Pentagon confirmed that American stealth bombers deployed the GBU-57 A/B bunker buster, a 30,000-pound bomb capable of penetrating fortified underground facilities, a capability exclusive to the US military. The targeted sites include Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz, according to Iran's state-run IRNA news agency, though the extent of the damage remains unclear. Iran's foreign ministry warned of a "decisive response" that could upend the fragile security balance across the Middle East . Now, with over 40,000 US troops stationed across the region, the question isn't if Iran will retaliate, it's where. Top US Targets in Iran's line of sight Military analysts and intelligence sources have flagged several high-value US military installations as likely Iranian targets, all well within Iran's missile and drone range. Al Udeid Air Base – Qatar: Largest US military base in the Middle East US Navy's fifth fleet – Bahrain: Controls much of the Persian Gulf Al Asad Air Base – Iraq: One of the largest US bases in the region. Previously hit by Iranian missiles in 2020 after Soleimani's assassination. Harir Air Base – Erbil, Iraq: Key hub for US operations in Northern Iraq Al Tanf Garrison – Southern Syria: Strategic triangle bordering Iraq, Syria, and Jordan Ali al-Salem Air Base – Kuwait: Just 20 miles from the Iraqi border Al Dhafra Air Base – UAE: Base for F-22 Raptors, surveillance drones Beyond bases: Other Iranian retaliation options Diplomatic strikes: US embassies in Iraq, the UAE, and Israel are also vulnerable. Proxy warfare: Hezbollah, Houthis, and Shia militias could be unleashed across multiple fronts Cyber attacks: Power grids, satellites, and infrastructure could be targeted Maritime escalation: Iran could block the Strait of Hormuz, a move that would send global oil prices soaring and potentially drag in Nato The Strait of Hormuz: The ultimate leverage Roughly 25% of the world's oil and one-third of its LNG pass through the Strait of Hormuz. If Iran mines, blockades, or militarises this waterway, it could ignite an economic war with global fallout.
Scottish Sun
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Clearest sign yet Trump is preparing to blitz Iran as huge US air armada of DOZENS of military jets lands in UK & Europe
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE US Air Force has surged more than 40 extra jets into the UK and Europe – including stealth fighter bombers and air to air refuellers – amid fears it will strike Iran. The move is the clearest sign yet that US President Donald Trump is preparing to blitz the country after issuing a two-day deadline and vowing to bring a "real end" to Tehran's nuclear programme. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 12 Footage shows one of the four KC-135 Stratotankers landing at Glasgow Prestwick Airport on Monday Credit: YouTube/Daniel Sander 12 Dozens of US Air Force aircraft, mostly KC-46A Pegasus and KC-135 Stratotankers, that left the US last night are starting to reach Europe Credit: FlightRadar24/X 12 Iran State Radio and Television (IRIB) building was smoking after a direct Israeli strike Credit: REXNEWS At least 30 large air-to-air refuellers swooped across the Atlantic this week followed by at least a dozen F-22 Raptors and F-35 Lightning jets. The USS Nimitz aircraft carrier is also steaming towards the Gulf to reinforce the carrier USS Carl Vinson. The US President has already warned the "full strength and might" of the military would be used if America was attacked. Dozens of USAF KC-135 Stratotanker refuelers and KC-46 Pegagus tankers swooped into bases in Scotland, Germany, Spain and Crete. At least four KC-135 Stratotankers landed at Glasgow Prestwick Airport on Monday. Hours later the Pentagon scrambled at least a dozen F-22 and F-35 fighter bombers to reinforce troops in Europe and the Middle East. The KC-135s and KC-46s are designed to refuel fighter jets so they can stay airborne for longer and fly further to hit targets. Experts said the F-22s and F-35s would most likely be used to bolster Israel's air defence amid fears Tel Aviv cold run low in its Iron Dome and interceptor missiles. But there are fears the fighter bombers could also be used to strike targets inside Iran. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said he had ordered 'the deployment of additional capabilities' to the Middle East amid spiralling fears of World War Three. Iran provoking Trump would be grave mistake - Israel is doing world a favour But he insisted their role was 'defensive'. He said: 'Protecting US forces is our top priority and these deployments are intended to enhance our defensive posture in the region.' Jets also landed in Italy and Estonia, as well as Scotland, Spain and Crete. American ships have also been used to defend against Iranian missiles aimed at Israel, alongside ground-based interceptors, US officials revealed to NBC News. It came as a US defence official said: 'Consistent with the duty to protect US forces in the Middle East, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth directed the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group to the U.S. Central Command are of responsibility to sustain our defensive posture and safeguard American personnel. 'In the U.S. European Command area of operations the U.S. Navy continues to conduct operations in the Eastern Mediterranean in support of US national security objectives.' A mere few hours ago it was revealed that the US is sending the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier to the Middle East as the conflict continues to spiral. The hulking $4.5billion nuclear-powered supercarrier, nicknamed Old Salt, is the flagship of the deadly Carrier Strike Group 11. 12 Trump gestures after returning early from the G7 Leaders' Summit in Canada Credit: Reuters 12 A defence source said their most likely role would be to intercept missiles fired at Israel if Tel Aviv runs out of air defence missiles Credit: FlightRadar24/X 12 Dozens of USAF KC-135 Stratotanker refuelers as well as KC-46 Pegagus tankers swooped into bases in Scotland, Germany, Spain and Crete Credit: Youtube 12 The Pegasus jets and Stratotankers are designed to refuel fighter jets in mid-air Credit: Jordan Castelan The strike group includes Carrier Air Wing Seventeen and Destroyer Squadron Nine - a potent combination of military hardware that will strike fear into Iran. The Nimitz left the South China Sea Monday morning heading west towards the Middle East, where it will be stationed. The USS Nimitz will provide a major boost to US military presence in the region. And The Sun knows first hand of the true might of this awesome 100,000 ton warship. Trump has also given a two-day deadline for a "REAL end" to Iran's nuclear programme. He has also urged Tehran to evacuate "everyone". Israel's ambassador also hinted at something big on the horizon - promising lethal "surprises" on Thursday that would dwarf its operations to date. As Trump rushed back meet his National Security Council, he vowed he was chasing something "better than a ceasefire", which will force Iran into a "complete give up". He refused to specify the endgame, but ominously warned: "You're going to find out over the next two days." Trump's prophecy coincides with one from the Israeli ambassador Yechiel Leiter, who said: "We've pulled off a number of surprises. 12 The final destination is unknown Credit: FlightRadar24/X 12 The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz is heading for the Middle East Credit: AFP 12 A missile streaking over Jerusalem as sirens rang out Credit: EPA "When the dust settles, you're going to see some surprises on Thursday night and Friday that will make the beeper operation almost seem simple." He was referring to Israel's incredible operation to detonate explosives planted in thousands of pagers owned by Hezbollah members in Lebanon. Trump dramatically left Monday's G7 summit in Canada a day early - and has repeatedly insisted it was not to pursue peace talks with Iran "in any way, shape or form". Israel and Iran continue to trade missiles for a fifth day, with Tehran's civilians fleeing the city in their thousands and a handful of casualties reported by Tel Aviv. The IDF said it has killed Iran's most senior military commander - and the person closest to the Supreme Leader - for the second time in five days. Iran claimed today it had hit the HQ of Israel's intelligence agency Mossad - though this has not been confirmed - and repeatedly warned of stepping up missile and drone attacks. Israel reported this morning that around 30 missiles were involved in Iran's latest wave. Tension across the Middle East is now skyrocketing as the conflict threatens to spiral into a wider regional war after Pakistan called for the Islamic world to back Iran. Islamabad even warned they will nuke Israel, a senior Iranian general claimed. Sun's trip onboard USS Nimitz By Ryan Parry, Senior Reporter AS America sends the flagship USS Nimitz supercarrier to the Middle East amid rising tensions, the Sun reveals what life is like onboard. The Sun spent two days on board the Nimitz, nicknamed Old Salt, a $4.5billion nuclear-powered supercarrier weighing almost 100,000 tons. The warship is 1,092ft long and 252ft wide and has a four and a half acre flight deck. The massive 117,000 sq ft warship boasts four aircraft catapults and jets are brought up to the deck using four giant elevators from the hangar deep below the 4.5 acre flight deck. The supercarrier, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 11, holds F/A-18 Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers and F-35C stealth strike fighters. Inside the ten floor, 3,000 room hull underneath the flight deck life is one slick operation. There are several cafeterias, gyms, a Starbucks coffee shop and 'luxury' state rooms for 'Distinguished Visitors'. Since it is nuclear-powered, the Nimitz – call sign NMTZ - can operate for up to 20 years without refueling. The Nimitz is the world's second largest supercarrier, only behind the Gerald R Ford. 12 The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Ghadir site in Tehran has been obliterated by Israel in recent days Credit: AFP
The Irish Sun
17-06-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Clearest sign yet Trump is preparing to blitz Iran as huge US air armada of DOZENS of military jets lands in UK & Europe
THE US Air Force has surged more than 40 extra jets into the UK and Europe – including stealth fighter bombers and air to air refuellers – amid fears it will strike Iran. The move is the clearest sign yet that US President Donald Trump is preparing to blitz the country after Advertisement 12 Footage shows one of the four KC-135 Stratotankers landing at Glasgow Prestwick Airport on Monday Credit: YouTube/Daniel Sander 12 Dozens of US Air Force aircraft, mostly KC-46A Pegasus and KC-135 Stratotankers, that left the US last night are starting to reach Europe Credit: FlightRadar24/X 12 Iran State Radio and Television (IRIB) building was smoking after a direct Israeli strike Credit: REXNEWS At least 30 large air-to-air refuellers swooped across the Atlantic this week followed by at least a dozen F-22 Raptors and F-35 Lightning jets. The USS Nimitz aircraft carrier is also The US President has already warned the "full strength and might" of the military would be used if America was attacked. Dozens of USAF KC-135 Stratotanker refuelers and KC-46 Pegagus tankers swooped into bases in Scotland, Germany, Spain and Crete. Advertisement At least four KC-135 Stratotankers landed at Glasgow Prestwick Airport on Monday. Hours later the Pentagon scrambled at least a dozen F-22 and F-35 fighter bombers to reinforce troops in Europe and the Middle East. The KC-135s and KC-46s are designed to refuel fighter jets so they can stay airborne for longer and fly further to hit targets. Experts said the F-22s and F-35s would most likely be used to bolster Israel's air defence amid fears Tel Aviv cold run low in its Iron Dome and interceptor missiles. Advertisement Most read in The US Sun Latest Latest But there are fears the fighter bombers could also be used to strike targets inside Iran . US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said he had ordered 'the deployment of additional capabilities' to the Middle East amid spiralling fears of World War Three. Iran provoking Trump would be grave mistake - Israel is doing world a favour But he insisted their role was 'defensive'. He said: 'Protecting US forces is our top priority and these deployments are intended to enhance our defensive posture in the region.' Advertisement Jets also landed in Italy and Estonia, as well as Scotland, Spain and Crete. American ships have also been used to defend against Iranian missiles aimed at Israel, alongside ground-based interceptors, US officials revealed to It came as a US defence official said: 'Consistent with the duty to protect US forces in the Middle East, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth directed the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group to the U.S. Central Command are of responsibility to sustain our defensive posture and safeguard American personnel. 'In the U.S. European Command area of operations the U.S. Navy continues to conduct operations in the Eastern Mediterranean in support of US national security objectives.' Advertisement A mere few hours ago it was revealed that the The hulking $4.5billion nuclear-powered supercarrier, nicknamed Old Salt, is the flagship of the deadly Carrier Strike Group 11. 12 Trump gestures after returning early from the G7 Leaders' Summit in Canada Credit: Reuters 12 A defence source said their most likely role would be to intercept missiles fired at Israel if Tel Aviv runs out of air defence missiles Credit: FlightRadar24/X Advertisement 12 Dozens of USAF KC-135 Stratotanker refuelers as well as KC-46 Pegagus tankers swooped into bases in Scotland, Germany, Spain and Crete Credit: Youtube 12 The Pegasus jets and Stratotankers are designed to refuel fighter jets in mid-air Credit: Jordan Castelan The strike group includes Carrier Air Wing Seventeen and Destroyer Squadron Nine - a potent combination of military hardware that will strike fear into Iran. The Nimitz left the South China Sea Monday morning heading west towards the Middle East, where it will be stationed. Advertisement The USS Nimitz will provide a major boost to US military presence in the region. And The Sun knows first hand of the true might of this awesome 100,000 ton warship. Trump has also He has also urged Tehran to evacuate "everyone". Advertisement Israel 's ambassador also hinted at something big on the horizon - promising lethal "surprises" on Thursday that would dwarf its operations to date. As Trump rushed back meet his National Security Council, he vowed he was chasing something "better than a ceasefire", which will force Iran into a "complete give up". He refused to specify the endgame, but ominously warned: "You're going to find out over the next two days." Trump's prophecy coincides with one from the Israeli ambassador Yechiel Leiter, who said: "We've pulled off a number of surprises. Advertisement 12 The final destination is unknown Credit: FlightRadar24/X 12 The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz is heading for the Middle East Credit: AFP 12 A missile streaking over Jerusalem as sirens rang out Credit: EPA "When the dust settles, you're going to see some surprises on Thursday night and Friday that will make the beeper operation almost seem simple." Advertisement He was referring to Israel's incredible operation to detonate explosives planted in thousands of pagers owned by Hezbollah members in Lebanon. Trump dramatically Israel and Iran continue to trade missiles for a fifth day, with Tehran's civilians fleeing the city in their thousands and a handful of casualties reported by Tel Aviv. The IDF said it has Advertisement Iran claimed today it had hit the HQ of Israel's intelligence agency Mossad - though this has not been confirmed - and repeatedly warned of stepping up missile and drone attacks. Israel reported this morning that around 30 missiles were involved in Iran's latest wave. Read more on the Irish Sun Tension across the Middle East is now skyrocketing as the conflict threatens to spiral into a wider regional war after Pakistan called for the Islamic world to back Iran. Islamabad even warned they will nuke Israel, a senior Iranian general claimed. Advertisement Sun's trip onboard USS Nimitz By AS America sends the flagship USS Nimitz supercarrier to the Middle East amid rising tensions, the Sun reveals what life is like onboard. The Sun spent two days on board the Nimitz, nicknamed Old Salt, a $4.5billion nuclear-powered supercarrier weighing almost 100,000 tons. The warship is 1,092ft long and 252ft wide and has a four and a half acre flight deck. The massive 117,000 sq ft warship boasts four aircraft catapults and jets are brought up to the deck using four giant elevators from the hangar deep below the 4.5 acre flight deck. The supercarrier, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 11, holds F/A-18 Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers and F-35C stealth strike fighters. Inside the ten floor, 3,000 room hull underneath the flight deck life is one slick operation. There are several cafeterias, gyms, a Starbucks coffee shop and 'luxury' state rooms for 'Distinguished Visitors'. Since it is nuclear-powered, the Nimitz – call sign NMTZ - can operate for up to 20 years without refueling. The Nimitz is the world's second largest supercarrier, only behind the Gerald R Ford. 12 The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Ghadir site in Tehran has been obliterated by Israel in recent days Credit: AFP 12 The roads out of Tehran were jammed with cars as Trump ordered the city to evacuate Credit: Reuters
Business Insider
19-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Anduril gave everyone a behind-the-scenes look at Fury, its AI fighter built to fly with America's most fearsome aircraft
Palmer Luckey's Anduril just gave the world an inside glimpse of its new project for the US Air Force — an uncrewed fighter jet that teams up with piloted aircraft. The military startup was featured on Sunday in a CBS 60 Minutes segment, during which a few clips showed Anduril's Fury drone being assembled in a hangar or warehouse. It's not the first time the drone was shown to the public — the Air Force unveiled a test representative model on May 1. But the TV segment reveals a few more details about the drone's make. In one clip, two engineers are seen fixing a wing on the Fury, the defense startup's offering for the Air Force's collaborative combat aircraft program. That speaks to the aircraft's modular design. Anduril says the Fury, like many of its other products, is built so that its parts can be easily swapped out and customized. Both engineers are also filmed using screwdrivers to secure the wing onto the aircraft. The company has said that it wants the Fury to be manufactured at scale and possibly in many different workshops in the US instead of relying on a few highly specialized facilities. CBS also showed a conceptual clip of a scenario in which three Fury drones flew as a team in front of a crewed fighter jet and helped it strike an enemy aircraft. "These fly out ahead of manned fighters, and they're able to find the enemy first, able to engage the enemy well before a manned fighter has to be seen or is in range," Brian Schimpf, Anduril's CEO, told CBS. Such a mission is part of the Air Force's vision for its advanced fighter jets to fight alongside drones that act as "loyal wingmen," or for the drones to be used in missions on their own. It's expected to be a key feature of the F-47, the sixth-generation stealth fighter developed by Boeing. But the Air Force has also said it hopes to integrate the program with F-35 Lightning IIs and F-22 Raptors. Air Force leadership has said its priority is making the drones affordable and easy to manufacture, as it hopes to bring mass to the skies since its fleet has shrunk in favor of more advanced aircraft. Anduril was chosen to compete for the program, but the Fury hasn't clinched the contract yet. Dubbed YFQ-44A by the Air Force, the aircraft is competing for the bid with General Atomics, which is also offering a drone with a modular design. The Pentagon is expected to make early decisions during the fiscal year of 2026, which starts in October.
