US B-2 bombers, bunker-busters used in Iran strike
The B-2 is one of America's most advanced strategic weapons platforms.
Photo:
US Department of Defense / AFP
The US Air Force's B-2 Spirit stealth bombers were involved in
strikes on Iran's nuclear sites
.
Three Iranian nuclear sites were struck in a "very successful attack", President Donald Trump said on Saturday (local time), adding that the crown jewel of Tehran's nuclear programme, Fordow, was gone.
The B-2 is one of America's most advanced strategic weapons platforms, capable of entering sophisticated air defences and delivering precision strikes against hardened targets, such as Iran's buried network of nuclear research facilities.
The US B-2 costs about US$2.1 billion (NZ$3.5b) each, making it the most expensive military aircraft ever built. Made by Northrop Grumman, the bomber, with its cutting-edge stealth technology, began its production run in the late 1980s, but was curbed by the fall of the Soviet Union.
Only 21 were made, after the Pentagon's planned acquisition programme was truncated.
The bomber's range of more than 11,112 km without refuelling enables global strike capabilities from continental US bases. With aerial refueling, the B-2 can reach virtually any target worldwide, as demonstrated in missions from Missouri to Afghanistan and Libya, and now Iran.
Its payload capacity of more than 18,144 kg allows the aircraft to carry a diverse array of conventional and nuclear weapons. The bomber's internal weapons bays are specifically designed to maintain stealth characteristics, while accommodating large ordnance loads that could include two GBU-57A/B MOP (Massive Ordnance Penetrator), a 13,600kg precision-guided 'bunker buster' bomb.
Reports said six bunker buster bombs were used on Iran's Fordow research site.
The B-2's two-pilot crew configuration reduces personnel requirements, while maintaining operational effectiveness through advanced automation systems.
Iran's Fordow research site on 14 June, 2025, well before it was hit by a reported six bunker-busters.
Photo:
AFP
The B-2's stealth technology incorporates radar-absorbing materials and angular design features that minimise detection by enemy air defence systems. Its radar cross-section is reportedly comparable to that of a small bird, making it nearly invisible to conventional radar.
The 13,600kg MOP represents the largest conventional bomb in the US arsenal, specifically engineered to defeat hardened underground bunkers. Its massive size requires the B-2 to carry only one or two MOPs per mission, but provides unmatched bunker-penetration capability.
The weapon's 6.25m length and GPS-guided precision targeting system enable accurate strikes against specific underground facilities. Its penetration capability of more than 60 metres through hardened concrete makes it effective against the world's most protected underground installations.
Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) provide the B-2 with precision conventional strike capability against fixed targets. These GPS-guided weapons can be deployed in large numbers, with the bomber capable of simultaneously engaging multiple targets with high accuracy.
Joint Standoff Weapons (JSOW) extend the aircraft's engagement range, while maintaining stealth characteristics during approach. These glide bombs allow the B-2 to strike targets from outside heavily defended airspace perimeters.
Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM) offer long-range precision strike capability with their own stealth features. The extended-range JASSM-ER variant provides strike options against targets over 800km) away.
The B-2 Spirit serves as a key component of America's nuclear triad, capable of delivering strategic nuclear weapons with stealth and precision. The aircraft can carry up to 16 B83 nuclear bombs.
-
Reuters
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1News
2 hours ago
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What to know about the Iranian nuclear sites that were hit by US strikes
US forces have attacked three Iranian nuclear and military sites, further upping the stakes in the Israel-Iran war. US President Donald Trump said the strikes, which he described as 'very successful', had hit the Natanz, Fordo and Isfahan sites, with Fordo being the primary target. The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran confirmed there were attacks early today at all three nuclear sites. Israel launched a surprise barrage of attacks on sites in Iran on June 13, which Israeli officials said was necessary to head off what they claimed was an imminent threat that Iran would build nuclear bombs. Iran, which has long insisted its nuclear programme is peaceful, has retaliated with a series of missile and drone strikes in Israel, while Israel has continued to strike sites in Iran. The US and Iran had been in talks that could have resulted in the US lifting some of its crushing economic sanctions on Iran in exchange for Tehran drastically limiting or ending its enrichment of uranium. Until today, Washington had helped shoot down Iranian strikes on Israel but had not launched direct attacks on Iran. ADVERTISEMENT Here's a look at the sites Trump said the US struck and their importance to Iran's nuclear programme. Natanz enrichment facility Iran's nuclear facility at Natanz, located some 220 kilometres southeast of Tehran, is the country's main enrichment site and had already been targeted by Israeli airstrikes. Uranium had been enriched to up to 60% purity at the site — a mildly radioactive level but a short step away from weapons grade — before Israel destroyed the aboveground part of the facility, according to the UN's nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency. Another part of the facility on Iran's Central Plateau is underground to defend against potential airstrikes. It operates multiple cascades, or groups of centrifuges working together to more quickly enrich uranium. The IAEA has said it believes that most if not all of these centrifuges were destroyed by an Israeli strike that cut off power to the site. The IAEA said those strikes caused contamination only at the site itself, not the surrounding area. Iran also is burrowing into the Kūh-e Kolang Gaz Lā, or Pickax Mountain, which is just beyond Natanz's southern fencing. Natanz has been targeted by the Stuxnet virus, believed to be an Israeli and American creation, which destroyed Iranian centrifuges. Two separate attacks, attributed to Israel, also have struck the facility. Fordo enrichment facility ADVERTISEMENT The Fordo enrichment facility in Iran. (Source: Maxar Technologies via AP) Iran's nuclear facility at Fordo is located some 100 kilometres southwest of Tehran. It also hosts centrifuge cascades, but isn't as big as Natanz. Its construction began at least in 2007, according to the IAEA, although Iran only informed the UN nuclear watchdog about the facility in 2009 after the US and allied Western intelligence agencies became aware of its existence. Buried under a mountain and protected by anti-aircraft batteries, Fordo appears designed to withstand airstrikes. Military experts have said it could likely only be targeted by 'bunker buster' bombs — a term for bombs that are designed to penetrate deep below the surface before exploding — such as the latest GBU-57 A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator bomb in the American arsenal. The roughly 13,600 kilogram precision-guided bomb is designed to attack deeply buried and hardened bunkers and tunnels. The US has only configured and programmed its B-2 Spirit stealth bomber to deliver that bomb, according to the Air Force. The B-2 is only flown by the Air Force, and is produced by Northrop Grumman, meaning that Washington would have to be involved in such an operation. Isfahan Nuclear Technology Centre The facility in Isfahan, some 350 kilometres southeast of Tehran, employs thousands of nuclear scientists. It also is home to three Chinese research reactors and laboratories associated with the country's atomic programme. Israel has struck buildings at the Isfahan nuclear site, among them a uranium conversion facility. The IAEA said there has been no sign of increased radiation at the site. ADVERTISEMENT Other nuclear sites The Fordo enrichment facility in Iran. (Source: Planet Labs PBC via AP) Iran has several other sites in its nuclear program that were not announced as targets in the US strikes. Iran's only commercial nuclear power plant is in Bushehr on the Persian Gulf, some 750 kilometres south of Tehran. Iran is building two other reactors like it at the site. Bushehr is fuelled by uranium produced in Russia, not Iran, and is monitored by the IAEA. The Arak heavy water reactor is 250 kilometres southwest of Tehran. 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RNZ News
4 hours ago
- RNZ News
US B-2 bombers, bunker-busters used in Iran strike
The B-2 is one of America's most advanced strategic weapons platforms. Photo: US Department of Defense / AFP The US Air Force's B-2 Spirit stealth bombers were involved in strikes on Iran's nuclear sites . Three Iranian nuclear sites were struck in a "very successful attack", President Donald Trump said on Saturday (local time), adding that the crown jewel of Tehran's nuclear programme, Fordow, was gone. The B-2 is one of America's most advanced strategic weapons platforms, capable of entering sophisticated air defences and delivering precision strikes against hardened targets, such as Iran's buried network of nuclear research facilities. The US B-2 costs about US$2.1 billion (NZ$3.5b) each, making it the most expensive military aircraft ever built. Made by Northrop Grumman, the bomber, with its cutting-edge stealth technology, began its production run in the late 1980s, but was curbed by the fall of the Soviet Union. Only 21 were made, after the Pentagon's planned acquisition programme was truncated. The bomber's range of more than 11,112 km without refuelling enables global strike capabilities from continental US bases. With aerial refueling, the B-2 can reach virtually any target worldwide, as demonstrated in missions from Missouri to Afghanistan and Libya, and now Iran. Its payload capacity of more than 18,144 kg allows the aircraft to carry a diverse array of conventional and nuclear weapons. The bomber's internal weapons bays are specifically designed to maintain stealth characteristics, while accommodating large ordnance loads that could include two GBU-57A/B MOP (Massive Ordnance Penetrator), a 13,600kg precision-guided 'bunker buster' bomb. Reports said six bunker buster bombs were used on Iran's Fordow research site. The B-2's two-pilot crew configuration reduces personnel requirements, while maintaining operational effectiveness through advanced automation systems. Iran's Fordow research site on 14 June, 2025, well before it was hit by a reported six bunker-busters. Photo: AFP The B-2's stealth technology incorporates radar-absorbing materials and angular design features that minimise detection by enemy air defence systems. Its radar cross-section is reportedly comparable to that of a small bird, making it nearly invisible to conventional radar. The 13,600kg MOP represents the largest conventional bomb in the US arsenal, specifically engineered to defeat hardened underground bunkers. Its massive size requires the B-2 to carry only one or two MOPs per mission, but provides unmatched bunker-penetration capability. The weapon's 6.25m length and GPS-guided precision targeting system enable accurate strikes against specific underground facilities. Its penetration capability of more than 60 metres through hardened concrete makes it effective against the world's most protected underground installations. Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) provide the B-2 with precision conventional strike capability against fixed targets. These GPS-guided weapons can be deployed in large numbers, with the bomber capable of simultaneously engaging multiple targets with high accuracy. Joint Standoff Weapons (JSOW) extend the aircraft's engagement range, while maintaining stealth characteristics during approach. These glide bombs allow the B-2 to strike targets from outside heavily defended airspace perimeters. Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM) offer long-range precision strike capability with their own stealth features. The extended-range JASSM-ER variant provides strike options against targets over 800km) away. The B-2 Spirit serves as a key component of America's nuclear triad, capable of delivering strategic nuclear weapons with stealth and precision. The aircraft can carry up to 16 B83 nuclear bombs. - Reuters
RNZ News
5 hours ago
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World leaders react to US attack on Iran
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lauded the "awesome and righteous might of the United States". Photo: AFP / JACK GUEZ The reaction of world leaders after US forces struck three Iranian nuclear sites ranged from Israel lauding President Donald Trump's decision to Iran and some other nations condemning the attacks. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (recorded statement): "Congratulations, President Trump. Your bold decision to target Iran's nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history. "History will record that President Trump acted to deny the world's most dangerous regime the world's most dangerous weapons." Iran Foreign Minister Araghchi (on X): "The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the NPT by attacking Iran's peaceful nuclear installations. The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences. "Each and every member of the UN must be alarmed over this extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behaviour. In accordance with the UN Charter and its provisions allowing a legitimate response in self-defense, Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest and people." UN Secretary-General António Guterres (statement): "I am gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today. This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge - and a direct threat to international peace and security. "There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control - with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region and the world. "I call on Member States to de-escalate and to uphold their obligations under the UN Charter and other rules of international law. At this perilous hour, it is critical to avoid a spiral of chaos. "There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy. "The only hope is peace." NZ Foreign Minister Winston Peters (statement): "We acknowledge developments in the last 24 hours, including President Trump's announcement of US strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran. Ongoing military action in the Middle East is extremely worrying and it is critical further escalation is avoided. "New Zealand strongly supports efforts towards diplomacy. We urge all parties to return to talks. "Diplomacy will deliver a more enduring resolution than further military action." Australia government spokesperson (statement): "We have been clear that Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programme has been a threat to international peace and security. We note the US President's statement that now is the time for peace. "The security situation in the region is highly volatile. We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy." Mexico Foreign Ministry (on X): "The ministry urgently calls for diplomatic dialogue for peace between the parties involved in the Middle East conflict. In keeping with our constitutional principles of foreign policy and our country's pacifist conviction, we re-iterate our call to de-escalate tensions in the region. "The restoration of peaceful coexistence among the states of the region is the highest priority." Venezuela Foreign Minister Yvan Gil (on Telegram): "Venezuela condemns US military aggression against Iran and demands an immediate cessation of hostilities. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela firmly and categorically condemns the bombing carried out by the United States military, at the request of the State of Israel, against nuclear facilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan complexes." Cuba President Miguel Diaz-Canel (on X): "We strongly condemn the US bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities, which constitutes a dangerous escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. The aggression seriously violates the UN Charter and international law, and plunges humanity into a crisis with irreversible consequences." - Reuters
