USA ATTACKS IRAN from Vajirao & Reddy Institute

USA ATTACKS IRAN

Date of Event: June 22, 2025 Context: U.S. airstrikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure using B-2 Spirit stealth bombers Why in the News?

• The United States, under President Donald Trump, launched a precision airstrike on Iranian nuclear facilities, targeting 3 key sites including the Fordow Enrichment Facility.
• The attack involved the deployment of the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, highlighting its strategic role in U.S. military operations.

WHAT IS THE B-2 SPIRIT?

• Type: Long-range stealth bomber
• Manufacturer: Northrop Grumman
• First Flight: 1989
• Total Units Produced: 21
• Cost: ~$2.1 billion per unit
• Crew: 2 pilots

Key Features:

• Stealth Capability: Bat-wing design + radar-absorbing material ? near-invisible to radar
• Automation: High automation reduces human workload and increases mission survivability
• Radar Cross-Section: Comparable to a small bird

• Mission Objective: Destroy deeply buried and fortified nuclear facilities (e.g., Fordow)
• Weapon Used:
  • GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP)
    • Weight: 30,000 lbs (~13,600 kg)
    • Purpose: Designed to penetrate hardened underground bunkers
• Strategic Advantage:
  • Only aircraft in U.S. fleet capable of carrying MOP
  • Precision strike capability + stealth = essential for bypassing Iran’s air defences

 SPECIFICATIONS & CAPABILITIES

Feature	Details
Range	6,000+ nautical miles (11,000+ km)
Payload Capacity	40,000+ lbs (18,144 kg)
Speed	High subsonic
Refuelling	Capable of mid-air refuelling for extended missions

ARMAMENT CAPABILITIES

• Conventional Bombs:
  • JDAMs (Joint Direct Attack Munitions): GPS-guided, high accuracy
  • JSOW (Joint Standoff Weapons): Glide bombs; long-range engagement
  • JASSM / JASSM-ER (Cruise Missiles): Range up to 805 km
• Nuclear Bombs:
  • Can carry up to 16 B83 nuclear bombs

SIGNIFICANCE IN MODERN WELFARE

• Offers strategic deterrence and operational flexibility
• Plays a vital role in first-strike capabilities and deep-strike missions
• Reinforces U.S. nuclear triad (Land-based missiles, Submarine-launched missiles, Strategic bombers)

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