Context & Strategic Significance
- On June 21, 2025, the U.S. launched airstrikes on three major Iranian nuclear sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
- Operation code-named “Midnight Hammer” aimed to cripple Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity.
- Marked a direct U.S. military intervention in the Israel-Iran conflict that began on June 13.
Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)
How the Strike Unfolded
- 7 B-2 Spirit stealth bombers flew a 37-hour round mission with multiple in-air refuellings.
- First B-2 dropped two GBU-57 MOP ‘bunker busters’ on the deeply buried Fordow site.
- Deception tactics included decoy aircraft flying westward to mislead radar tracking.
- Overall, 14 MOPs and 75 precision-guided munitions (including submarine-launched Tomahawk missiles) were deployed.
Why B-2 Bombers and MOPs Were Used
- Fordow site is buried under 80–90 meters of rock and reinforced concrete — beyond Israeli capabilities.
- The GBU-57 MOP is designed for deep penetration, capable of reaching up to 200 feet underground.
- B-2 Spirit is the only U.S. aircraft capable of carrying these 30,000 lb bunker-busters.
Capabilities and Challenges of B-2 Bomber
- Only 19 operational B-2s exist; each costs $2+ billion.
- Extremely stealthy: avoids detection via low radar, heat, sound, and visual signatures.
- Highly maintenance-intensive: requires 100 hours of upkeep for each hour flown.
- Needs climate-controlled hangars to preserve stealth coating and tech.
- Holds record for longest air combat missions (e.g., 44-hour Afghan mission in 2001).
Military and Political Implications
- Mission officially not aimed at regime change, but to “neutralize threats” and support Israel’s self-defence.
- The strike has raised questions about:
- The actual extent of damage (especially at Fordow).
- The fate of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile.
- May escalate regional tensions and invite retaliatory action from Iran.
Next-Gen Stealth Bomber: B-21 Raider
- U.S. is developing the B-21 Raider, meant to replace aging B-2s.
- Dual-capable, stealth strike bomber with open systems architecture for quick software upgrades.
- Expected unit cost: $550 million; USAF plans to procure 100+ units.
Conclusion
- Operation Midnight Hammer signals a tech-heavy, precision-first U.S. military doctrine.
- Brings into focus the evolving role of stealth aircraft and deep-penetration ordnance.
- Has strategic ramifications for non-proliferation diplomacy, U.S.-Iran relations, and West Asian stability.
