‘Drop 2,000-pound bomb’: US launches B-2 bombers to destroy Iran’s missile production capabilities

The war between the United States, Israel and Iran has entered its 12th day, shows no signs of subsidence, and is intensifying. The White House said on Wednesday that the U.S. military was taking action to dismantle Iran’s missile production capabilities. It added that U.S. B2 bombers attacked deeply buried missile-related sites in the country.White House press secretary Carolyn Leavitt said at a news conference that B-2 bombers “dropped 2,000 pounds of bombs” on what she said was Iran’s underground missile facility.“The U.S. military is now working to dismantle Iran’s missile production,” Levitt said, adding that B-2 bombers “recently dropped 2,000 pounds of bombs on what she said were Iran’s deeply buried missile sites.”The comments came as Washington signaled it would take more direct action to target parts of Iran’s missile program. Details about the timing of the attack, specific target locations or the extent of damage were not immediately disclosed. The long-range stealth bomber B-2 Spirit used in this operation is designed to carry out precision strikes against heavily guarded targets or underground targets.

Iran’s missile program has long been a bone of contention between the United States and Iran, with Washington repeatedly expressing concern that the program could be used to deliver nuclear weapons, a charge Tehran has repeatedly denied.

What is a B2 bomber

B2 bombers can carry GBU-57 bunker busters, designed to penetrate deep underground before detonating. The bomb was developed specifically to destroy hardened nuclear facilities and deeply buried command centers.

The B-2 is one of the most advanced aircraft ever built. Its flying wing design and special materials greatly reduce radar signatures, allowing it to penetrate heavily guarded airspace.This capability makes the aircraft particularly suitable for striking hardened underground installations. In fact, the B-2 is currently the only aircraft capable of carrying the GBU-57 bunker bomb.It was reported that during Operation Midnight Hammer last June, seven B-2 bombers dropped 14 such weapons on Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. The attack marked the first actual use of the weapon. These attacks demonstrate the United States’ ability to destroy hardened infrastructure, even if it is buried in mountains or within fortified bunkers.