What are B-2 stealth bombers and why did US choose them to strike Iran's nuclear sites? Know here

In a major update amid the ongoing Israel-Iran tensions, the United States (US) President Donald Trump, on Saturday, announced that the US has carried out what, according to him, is a 'very successful' attack on three key nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. But did you know which missiles or bombers the US has used to attack Iran?

According to Trump, who announced the attack, B-2 stealth bombers were also used to attack three nuclear sites in Iran, calling it a historic moment for the US, Israel and the rest of the world.

Further, Trump noted that six Bunker Buster bombs were used in strikes on Fordow, adding that 30 Tomahawk missiles were used against the other two nuclear sites, as per HT.

We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home.¡­

¡ª Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) June 22, 2025

What is the B-2 stealth bomber?

The B-2 stealth bomber is a pioneering aircraft in the U.S. Air Force and has served as a cornerstone of American stealth technology for over 30 years.

The aircraft remains one of the most survivable aircraft across the globe after its first flight in 1989, with the ability to penetrate the most sophisticated enemy defences, as per its manufacturer, Northrop Grumman.

The B-2 is built using advanced technology and is known for its stealth features, versatility at all altitudes and capacity to breach the highly advanced air defence systems so far.

Credit: X| @nicksortor

Advancements in the B-2 stealth bomber

The B-2 stealth bomber is difficult to detect by conventional radar due to its low-observability engineering. Moreover, its flying-wing structure, use of radar-absorbing materials and minimised infrared emissions give it a radar cross-section of just 0.001 square metres, which is similar to that of a small bird.

Apart from this, the advanced jet also has various other features, including its capability to travel up to 6,000 nautical miles without refuelling, its massive arsenal capacity and its ability to perform operations freely even at high altitudes.

Why did the Donald Trump government deploy a B-2 bomber in Iran?

On Saturday, speculation has been mounting since B-2 stealth bombers were spotted en route to Guam. Following this, there were also rumours that the Trump administration might deploy the 30,000-pound Massive Ordnance Penetrator, also known as the bunker-buster bomb, to strike the underground uranium enrichment site at Fordow.

Credit: X | @nicksortor

However, the speculations were put to rest after Trump announced the attack on three sites in Iran, including Fordow, to decimate the country's nuclear programme. According to a Fox News report, the U.S. deployed six bunker-buster bombs in an attack on the Fordow facility.

As per the report, the B-2 is the only US fighter jet capable of carrying the Massive Ordnance Penetrator on bombing missions, with each attack having the capability to carry two similar bombs.

On the other hand, the Associated Press reported that the US and Israeli officials had earlier said that American stealth bombers, like the B-2, and a bunker buster can only destroy the heavily fortified sites linked to the Iranian nuclear program buried deep underground.