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US Air National Guard Photo by Airman First Class Ivy Thomas
- The US military executed a series of airstrikes targeting Houthi positions in Yemen on Wednesday.
- The Pentagon confirmed that B-2 stealth bombers participated in these operations.
- Designed for long-range missions, the B-2 is capable of striking even the most fortified targets.
On Wednesday, the US military launched a series of airstrikes against Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen, utilizing B-2 stealth bombers to target underground facilities.
The Pentagon indicated that deploying the B-2 Spirit during this operation serves as a clear message to adversaries like Iran: no target is beyond reach or too well-concealed for US forces. These bombers are specifically engineered to engage hard-to-access targets effectively.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated that these “precision strikes” were aimed at five fortified underground weapons storage sites utilized by Houthis to support their assaults on shipping routes within the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The US military reported that these facilities housed missiles, weapon components, and various munitions. The operation involved assets from both the US Navy and Air Force, including the strategic use of B-2s.
In an official statement regarding this operation, Austin remarked that it showcased “the United States’ capability to strike facilities our adversaries attempt to keep hidden—regardless of how deeply buried or fortified they may be.”
US Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot
This operation marks a significant milestone as it represents the first known deployment of a B-2 during an ongoing counter-Houthi campaign led by the US military. Previously, operations have primarily relied on naval vessels and fighter jets stationed nearby for missions against rebel forces.
The Air Force currently operates only 19 active units of its Northrop Grumman-manufactured flying wing aircraft—the B-2s. Each bomber costs approximately $2 billion; however, two have been lost due to accidents. These heavy strategic bombers are stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base located in Missouri.
Before introducing its successor—the new B-21 Raider—the B-2 was exclusively recognized as America’s stealth bomber for decades. This formidable asset plays an essential role within America’s nuclear triad and can execute both conventional and nuclear strikes up to 6,000 nautical miles away without requiring mid-air refueling capabilities.
With its remarkable range coupled with advanced stealth technology, the Air Force highlights its “unique ability to penetrate sophisticated enemy defenses while threatening critical heavily defended targets.”
The design concept behind this aircraft was rooted in Cold War strategies aimed at overcoming Soviet air defenses; however, it became operational after this era had concluded.
Over nearly three decades since entering service, the versatile bomber has participated in numerous global conflicts; notably its last bombing mission prior to Wednesday’s strikes occurred early in 2017 when it targeted Islamic State positions.source
U.S.Airforce photo by Matthew S.Domingos/Airman First Class
Mark Gunzinger—a retired colonel who previously piloted older models like the Boeing-built Stratofortress—asserted that with its capabilities,
the stealthy nature allows engagement with “any target globally without needing access or landing rights at specific locations.”
For example,
the bomber can depart from bases located within continental USA yet successfully strike objectives situated across Middle Eastern territories or conduct patrols throughout Indo-Pacific regions.
This capacity becomes crucial when executing limited strikes intended solely for deterrence purposes while avoiding entanglement with allied nations through landings on their bases,” Gunzinger explained,
who now directs future concepts assessments at Mitchell Institute.
He further noted how low observability enables surprise attacks without prior warning—enhancing tactical advantages significantly—and combined with substantial payload capacities sends strong signals towards potential adversaries.
U.S.Airforce photo/SeniorAirmanSamanthaWhite/AirmanFirstClass
While specifics regarding munitions used during recent Houthi operations remain undisclosed,
it is noteworthy mentioning only one aircraft type programmed specifically designed drop GBU57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP).
The GBU57 MOP—a GPS-guided munition weighing around thirty thousand pounds—is engineered capable penetrating deep into high-value installations buried beneath two hundred feet before detonation occurs making it largest non-nuclear ordinance available within USAF arsenal.
Its robust warhead casing ensures maximum explosive impact while maintaining structural integrity upon impact enabling effective penetration through hardened defensive structures.
The USAF describes MOP as heavy-duty ordnance adept accomplishing complex missions involving reaching enemy armaments stored securely protected sites effectively delivering decisive blows where needed most.”
Additionally,B–two also accommodates other powerful munitions including five hundred-pound bombs alongside two thousand-pound variants providing unparalleled firepower sending messages few others could convey effectively.
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