US Air Force B-2 Bombers Deploy to Guam as Trump Considers Joining Israel in Strikes Against Iran
US President Donald Trump has two weeks to decide whether to join Israel in strikes against Iran, as several B-2 bombers reportedly take off from a base in the United States and move towards the Pacific island of Guam. The B-2 aircraft, capable of carrying 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs, took off from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri and have been tracked by flight data.
Key Takeaways:
- The B-2 Spirit is a long-range, stealth strategic bomber developed by Northrop Grumman for the United States Air Force, introduced in 1997.
- The B-2 can carry both conventional and nuclear weapons, delivering up to 40,000 pounds of ordnance and flying over 6,000 nautical miles without refueling.
- Only 21 B-2 aircraft have been built, with a unit cost exceeding $2 billion, making it one of the most advanced and expensive aircraft in the world.
- Trump is reportedly considering the deployment of bunker-buster bombs against Iran's underground nuclear facilities in Fordo.
- Israel launched a wave of airstrikes against missile sites and a nuclear facility in Iran, claimed to have killed three commanders of Iran's Revolutionary Guard.
- The US and Israel are reportedly in consultation over the possibility of joint strikes against Iran.
- Trump has two weeks to decide whether to authorize US involvement in the strikes against Iran.
Statistics:
- 21 B-2 aircraft have been built for the US Air Force.
- The B-2 aircraft has a unit cost exceeding $2 billion.
- 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs are capable of being carried by the B-2 aircraft.
- The B-2 can deliver up to 40,000 pounds of ordnance.
- The aircraft can fly over 6,000 nautical miles without refueling.
Sources:
- A report by The Guardian, cited in the article.
- Flight tracker data showing the B-2 aircraft taking off from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri.
- Information from the Northrop Grumman website, detailing the capabilities of the B-2 Spirit.