The United States launched a daring mission known as Operation Midnight Hammer, deploying its advanced B-2 Spirit stealth bombers to strike Iranian nuclear sites. This marked the largest mission ever conducted using B-2s and the second-longest flight in the aircraft’s operational history since 2001.

The B-2 bombers began their journey from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, staying airborne for over 37 hours without touching down. They were refueled multiple times in mid-air to sustain their long-distance journey. The bombers crossed several international airspaces undetected, a testament to their stealth capabilities.

Inside the precision airstrike

A total of seven B-2 aircraft, each manned by two pilots, made up the main attack formation. Communication was kept to a minimum as they traveled silently toward the Middle East. En route, they linked up with support units under the US Central Command (CENTCOM).

Before entering Iranian skies, a US Navy submarine launched over 24 Tomahawk cruise missiles targeting key surface-level installations. To protect the bombers, fighter jets and decoys were sent ahead to distract and neutralize potential air and missile threats.

At 6:40 PM EST (2:10 AM in Iran), the first B-2 released two GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs) onto the Fordow nuclear site. Within the next 25 minutes, the entire fleet dropped a total of 14 MOPs on three nuclear facilities, making it the first-ever combat use of the GBU-57 bomb.

The flying fortress: B-2 Spirit’s unique design

The B-2 Spirit, a stealth aircraft first tested in 1989 and deployed in 1999 during the Kosovo conflict, is built for strategic, long-range missions. It differs from earlier bombers like the B-1 Lancer and B-52 Stratofortress by being nearly invisible to radar and engineered for extended flights.

Inside, the B-2 is equipped to support its crew on lengthy missions:

  • Sleeping bunks for rest

  • A microwave and a storage area filled with snacks, sandwiches, and beverages

  • A toilet onboard for convenience

Typically flown by two pilots, longer missions sometimes include a third pilot to allow crew rotations and manage fatigue.

After 9/11, the B-2 made headlines with a 44-hour mission to Afghanistan, 

its longest flight to date. Now, after decades of service, the aircraft is preparing to pass the torch.

Its successor, the B-21 Raider, developed by Northrop Grumman, is expected to be the world’s first sixth-generation stealth bomber, signaling a new chapter in US airpower.

Operation Midnight Hammer: quick facts

  • 7 B-2 bombers involved

  • 14 bunker-buster MOP bombs deployed

  • 37 hours of continuous flight

  • First time GBU-57 used in combat

  • 3 key Iranian nuclear facilities hit

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