Operation Midnight Hammer

Source: NDTV

Context: The US launched Operation Midnight Hammer, deploying B-2 bombers and bunker-buster bombs in a precision strike on Iran’s nuclear sites (Fordow, Natanz, Isfahan), claiming significant damage to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

About Operation Midnight Hammer:

• What it is? A classified US military airstrike targeting Iran’s key nuclear facilities with precision weapons.

• A classified US military airstrike targeting Iran’s key nuclear facilities with precision weapons.

• Launched by: US Department of defence.

• Objective: To severely degrade Iran’s nuclear weapons infrastructure and demonstrate US strategic air power.

• Weapons used: B-2 Spirit stealth bombers with GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP). Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise Missiles launched from a US submarine. Decoy aircraft and support fighter jets for air defence suppression.

• B-2 Spirit stealth bombers with GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP).

• Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise Missiles launched from a US submarine.

• Decoy aircraft and support fighter jets for air defence suppression.

About US B-2 Spirit Stealth Bombers:

• What it is? An advanced strategic stealth bomber of the US Air Force, capable of delivering both nuclear and conventional weapons with minimal radar detection.

• An advanced strategic stealth bomber of the US Air Force, capable of delivering both nuclear and conventional weapons with minimal radar detection.

• Developed by: Northrop Grumman during the late 1980s.

• Key Features: Cost: $2.1 billion per unit (most expensive aircraft built) Range: Over 6,000 nautical miles without refueling (global reach) Payload: Over 40,000 lbs — can carry two GBU-57A/B “bunker-busters” or 16 B83 nuclear bombs Crew: Two pilots with advanced automation Stealth: Radar cross-section as small as a bird — evades advanced air defences Weapons: Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP): 30,000 lbs, penetrates 200+ ft of reinforced concrete JDAM, JSOW, JASSM-ER for varied conventional strikes Nuclear capabilities for deterrence role in US nuclear triad Significance: Demonstrates US global strike power and technological superiority. Capable of precision strikes on heavily fortified underground targets. Plays a vital role in deterrence, first-strike, and strategic military operations. Proven effectiveness across theatres: Afghanistan, Libya, Iran.

• Cost: $2.1 billion per unit (most expensive aircraft built)

• Range: Over 6,000 nautical miles without refueling (global reach)

• Payload: Over 40,000 lbs — can carry two GBU-57A/B “bunker-busters” or 16 B83 nuclear bombs

• Crew: Two pilots with advanced automation

• Stealth: Radar cross-section as small as a bird — evades advanced air defences

• Weapons: Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP): 30,000 lbs, penetrates 200+ ft of reinforced concrete JDAM, JSOW, JASSM-ER for varied conventional strikes Nuclear capabilities for deterrence role in US nuclear triad

• Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP): 30,000 lbs, penetrates 200+ ft of reinforced concrete

• JDAM, JSOW, JASSM-ER for varied conventional strikes

• Nuclear capabilities for deterrence role in US nuclear triad

• Significance: Demonstrates US global strike power and technological superiority. Capable of precision strikes on heavily fortified underground targets. Plays a vital role in deterrence, first-strike, and strategic military operations. Proven effectiveness across theatres: Afghanistan, Libya, Iran.

• Demonstrates US global strike power and technological superiority.

• Capable of precision strikes on heavily fortified underground targets.

• Plays a vital role in deterrence, first-strike, and strategic military operations.

• Proven effectiveness across theatres: Afghanistan, Libya, Iran.