The B2 Stealth Bomber: A History of Missions

The B2 stealth bomber, also known as the Spirit, is one of the most advanced and secretive aircraft in the world. It can fly long distances, evade enemy radars, and deliver both conventional and nuclear weapons with pinpoint accuracy. Since its introduction in 1997, the B2 has been used in several missions around the globe, demonstrating its capabilities and versatility. In this blog post, we will review some of the most notable missions that the B2 has participated in.

Operation Allied Force (1999)

The B2 made its combat debut in the NATO-led air campaign against Serbia over Kosovo. The conflict was sparked by the ethnic cleansing of Albanians by Serbian forces in the province of Kosovo. NATO intervened to stop the atrocities and enforce a peace agreement. The B2 flew from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri to Europe and back, dropping 500-pound (227 kg) satellite-guided bombs on Serbian military targets. The B2 was responsible for destroying 33 percent of all Serbian targets in the first eight weeks of the operation. The B2 proved its ability to strike deep into enemy territory with stealth and precision, while avoiding anti-aircraft defenses.

Operation Enduring Freedom (2001–2014)

The B2 participated in the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks. The goal was to overthrow the Taliban regime that harbored al-Qaeda, the terrorist group responsible for the attacks. The B2 flew from Diego Garcia, an island in the Indian Ocean, and dropped 2,000-pound (907 kg) bunker-buster bombs on Taliban and al-Qaeda hideouts in the mountains. The B2 also set a record with a 44-hour air combat mission in 2001. The B2 showed its endurance and flexibility to operate from remote locations and hit hard-to-reach targets.

Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003–2011)

The B2 was involved in the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq to topple Saddam Hussein’s regime. The rationale was to eliminate Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction and free its people from tyranny. The B2 flew from Whiteman Air Force Base and dropped 2,000-pound (907 kg) laser-guided bombs on Iraqi command and control centers, airfields, and other strategic targets. The B2 was also used to deliver the first conventional air-launched cruise missiles (CALCMs) in combat. The B2 demonstrated its versatility and effectiveness to employ different types of weapons against various targets.

Operation Odyssey Dawn (2011)

The B2 supported the NATO-led intervention in Libya to protect civilians from Muammar Gaddafi’s forces. The uprising was part of the Arab Spring movement that demanded democracy and human rights in the region. NATO imposed a no-fly zone and a naval blockade on Libya to prevent Gaddafi from attacking his own people. The B2 flew from Whiteman Air Force Base and dropped 45 500-pound (227 kg) bombs on Libyan air defenses, enabling other coalition aircraft to operate safely over Libya. The B2 displayed its stealth and accuracy to neutralize enemy air defenses.

Operation Odyssey Lightning (2016)

The B2 conducted strikes against Islamic State militants in Libya, as part of a U.S.-led campaign to degrade and destroy the terrorist group. The Islamic State had seized control of parts of Libya after the fall of Gaddafi and posed a threat to regional stability and security. The U.S. supported the Libyan government forces that fought against the Islamic State. The B2 flew from Whiteman Air Force Base and dropped 108 precision-guided munitions on two Islamic State camps near Sirte, killing more than 80 fighters. The B2 exhibited its power and precision to deliver a large number of weapons on multiple targets.

These are some of the missions that the B2 stealth bomber has been used for. It is a powerful and versatile aircraft that can perform a variety of roles in different scenarios. It is expected to remain in service until 2032, when it will be replaced by the B-21 Raider, a new stealth bomber that is currently under development.