UPSC Current Affairs
USA ATTACKS IRAN
Date of Event: June 22, 2025 Context: U.S. airstrikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure using B-2 Spirit stealth bombers Why in the News? The United States, under President Donald Trump, launched a precision airstrike on Iranian nuclear facilities, targeting 3 key sites including the Fordow Enrichment Facility.
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Date of Event: June 22, 2025 Context: U.S. airstrikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure using B-2 Spirit stealth bombers Why in the News? The United States, under President Donald Trump, launched a precision airstrike on Iranian nuclear facilities, targeting 3 key sites including the Fordow Enrichment Facility.
Date of Event: June 22, 2025
Context: U.S. airstrikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure using B-2 Spirit stealth bombers
Why in the News?
- The United States, under President Donald Trump, launched a precision airstrike on Iranian nuclear facilities, targeting 3 key sites including the Fordow Enrichment Facility.
- The attack involved the deployment of the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, highlighting its strategic role in U.S. military operations.
WHAT IS THE B-2 SPIRIT?
- Type: Long-range stealth bomber
- Manufacturer: Northrop Grumman
- First Flight: 1989
- Total Units Produced: 21
- Cost: ~$2.1 billion per unit
- Crew: 2 pilots
Key Features:
- Stealth Capability: Bat-wing design + radar-absorbing material ? near-invisible to radar
- Automation: High automation reduces human workload and increases mission survivability
- Radar Cross-Section: Comparable to a small bird
- Mission Objective: Destroy deeply buried and fortified nuclear facilities (e.g., Fordow)
- Weapon Used:
- GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP)
- Weight: 30,000 lbs (~13,600 kg)
- Purpose: Designed to penetrate hardened underground bunkers
- Strategic Advantage:
- Only aircraft in U.S. fleet capable of carrying MOP
- Precision strike capability + stealth = essential for bypassing Iran’s air defences
SPECIFICATIONS & CAPABILITIES
| Feature |
Details |
| Range |
6,000+ nautical miles (11,000+ km) |
| Payload Capacity |
40,000+ lbs (18,144 kg) |
| Speed |
High subsonic |
| Refuelling |
Capable of mid-air refuelling for extended missions |
ARMAMENT CAPABILITIES
- Conventional Bombs:
- JDAMs (Joint Direct Attack Munitions): GPS-guided, high accuracy
- JSOW (Joint Standoff Weapons): Glide bombs; long-range engagement
- JASSM / JASSM-ER (Cruise Missiles): Range up to 805 km
- Nuclear Bombs:
- Can carry up to 16 B83 nuclear bombs
SIGNIFICANCE IN MODERN WELFARE
- Offers strategic deterrence and operational flexibility
- Plays a vital role in first-strike capabilities and deep-strike missions
- Reinforces U.S. nuclear triad (Land-based missiles, Submarine-launched missiles, Strategic bombers)
- Prelims: Key facts, institutions, locations and terminology in the article.
- Mains: Connect the topic with Economy, International Relations, Defence.
- Revision: Use the article headings to prepare concise notes and answer-writing points.
Test your understanding
Questions from this article
Prelims practiceWith reference to USA ATTACKS IRAN, consider the following statements:
- The United States, under President Donald Trump, launched a precision airstrike on Iranian nuclear facilities, targeting 3 key sites including the Fordow Enrichment Facility.
- The attack involved the deployment of the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, highlighting its strategic role in U.S. military operations.
- Type: Long-range stealth bomber
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
View answer
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3. All three statements are drawn from the article.
Mains practiceDiscuss the background, key issues and significance of USA ATTACKS IRAN for India.
Answer in 250 words.
View answer approach
- Why in the News?
- WHAT IS THE B-2 SPIRIT?
- Key Features:
- SPECIFICATIONS & CAPABILITIES
- ARMAMENT CAPABILITIES
Frequently asked questionsFrequently asked questions
Why is Usa Attacks Iran in the news?
Date of Event: June 22, 2025 Context: U.S. airstrikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure using B-2 Spirit stealth bombers Why in the News?
What are the key facts about Usa Attacks Iran?
The United States, under President Donald Trump, launched a precision airstrike on Iranian nuclear facilities, targeting 3 key sites including the Fordow Enrichment Facility. The attack involved the deployment of the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, highlighting its strategic role in U.S. Type: Long-range stealth bomber Manufacturer: Northrop Grumman First Flight: 1989 Total Units Produced: 21 Cost: ~$2.1 billion per unit Crew: 2 pilots Key Features: Stealth Capability: Bat-wing design + radar-absorbing material ?
Why is Usa Attacks Iran important for UPSC preparation?
The topic connects current developments with Economy, International Relations, Defence and is relevant for both objective revision and analytical answer writing.