US Global Strike Command's B-2 Bombers return to combat for first time since 2017 against Houthis in Yemen.

On October 16, 2024, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) carried out a series of precision airstrikes on underground weapons storage facilities in areas of Yemen controlled by Iran-backed Houthi forces, marking the first combat use of the B-2 stealth bombers since 2017. These facilities housed conventional weapons used by the Houthis in attacks on U.S. and international vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
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Launched during the Carter administration, the B-2 was designed to enhance the U.S. military’s ability to penetrate radar defenses and deliver nuclear weapons to targets in the Soviet Union. (Picture source: US DoD)

According to the US Central Command, the strikes aimed to limit the Houthis' ability to target maritime traffic in this strategically significant region, which affects both commercial shipping and regional stability. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed that the operation, which included various U.S. Air Force and Navy assets, focused on five fortified underground storage locations within Yemen, housing missiles, weapons components, and munitions.

According to OSINTdefender, the mission involved B-2 bombers from the 13th Bomb Squadron of the 509th Bomb Wing, part of the US Air Force's Global Strike Command, and the 131st Bomb Wing of the Missouri Air National Guard, flying from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. These bombers were equipped with 2,000-pound Mark-84 bombs modified with Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) kits for precision targeting of these deeply buried sites. Each B-2 is designed to carry up to 20 tons of bombs, providing significant strike capability at long ranges.

The Houthis’ al-Masirah satellite news channel reported airstrikes near Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and in the stronghold of Saada, though they provided no immediate details on damage or casualties. CENTCOM stated that initial assessments suggested no civilian casualties. The Houthis have used underground facilities in these areas, including tunnels originally constructed to store Scud missiles. These tunnels were reportedly expanded to accommodate the group's weapons storage, further complicating efforts to disrupt their capabilities.

The B-2 Spirit is the only U.S. aircraft capable of deploying the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, a bomb designed to target fortified facilities such as Iran’s nuclear sites. (Picture source: US DoD)

The U.S. strikes were also seen as a signal to Iran, a supporter of the Houthi movement. In recent years, Iran has conducted missile attacks against Israel, and the B-2 Spirit is the only U.S. aircraft capable of deploying the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, a bomb designed to target fortified facilities such as Iran’s nuclear sites. The Houthis have continued to attack merchant vessels in the Red Sea since October 2023, and CENTCOM’s strikes align with efforts to secure these waters against further disruptions to commercial shipping.

The Houthis claim their attacks target vessels linked to Israel, the U.S., and the U.K., citing these countries' involvement in the Gaza conflict, although some targeted vessels have not been directly connected to the conflict. Additionally, Houthi attacks have seized one vessel, sunk two others, and led to the deaths of four sailors, prompting ongoing concerns about the group’s impact on maritime security.

The Northrop B-2 Spirit, also known as the Stealth Bomber, is an American heavy strategic bomber developed under the Advanced Technology Bomber program in the late 1970s. Launched during the Carter administration, the B-2 was designed to enhance the U.S. military’s ability to penetrate radar defenses and deliver nuclear weapons to targets in the Soviet Union. Originally intended to replace the Mach 2-capable B-1A, the B-2 program faced significant delays and rising costs, leading to extensive debate in Congress.

The B-2 can carry up to 18,000 kg of ordnance, including conventional and nuclear payloads, and has a maximum unrefueled range of 11,000 km, with a service ceiling of 15,000 m. (Picture source: US DoD)

Ultimately, the planned production was reduced from 132 units to 21, reflecting changing strategic priorities after the Cold War. Entering service in 1997, the B-2 made its combat debut during the Kosovo War in 1999 and has since been deployed in conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya.

The B-2’s flying wing design, which lacks both a fuselage and tail, contributes to a reduced radar cross-section and increased aerodynamic efficiency, enabling extended range operations. The aircraft’s structure includes radar-absorbing materials and advanced flight controls for stability, allowing a two-person crew to operate the bomber. Maneuverability is achieved through a combination of split brake-rudders and differential thrust, supporting the aircraft’s low radar profile. The B-2 is equipped with the AN/APQ-181 radar, which provides multi-mode functionality to support navigation and target acquisition.

During the RIMPAC 2024 exercise, the U.S. Air Force's B-2 Spirit bomber also employed the QUICKSINK maritime strike capability, designed to sink surface vessels with modified JDAM precision-guided bombs, marking the first publicly reported test of this system. Conducted during the second SINKEX exercise, the test demonstrated the B-2’s capability in maritime strike roles. Developed by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, QUICKSINK converts JDAMs into precision-guided bombs equipped with GPS-assisted INS guidance, a radar seeker, and an Imaging Infrared camera, allowing them to target moving maritime threats.

Ongoing modernization programs for the B-2, supported by a recent $7 billion contract with Northrop Grumman, focus on enhancing defensive and communication systems to address emerging threats, including cyber risks. (Picture source: US DoD)

The B-2 can carry up to 18,000 kg of ordnance, including conventional and nuclear payloads, and has a maximum unrefueled range of 11,000 km, with a service ceiling of 15,000 m. Its bomb bays are configured to accommodate up to 80 GPS-guided bombs or two Massive Ordnance Penetrators for penetrating fortified targets. Powered by four non-afterburning turbofan engines, the aircraft can reach speeds of up to 1,010 km/h.

Ongoing modernization programs for the B-2, supported by a recent $7 billion contract with Northrop Grumman, focus on enhancing defensive and communication systems to address emerging threats, including cyber risks. The Spirit Realm 1 (SR 1) upgrade introduces an open mission systems architecture, enabling improved displays, updated flight hardware, and greater survivability.

This upgrade also allows for faster software updates and the integration of new weapon systems, reducing update times from years to months and supporting the B-2’s continued operational effectiveness. While the B-2 has substantial operational and maintenance costs, it remains part of the U.S. Air Force’s strategic bomber fleet, with current plans to retire the fleet by 2032 as the B-21 Raider comes into service.