Highlights

  • US Air Force grounded its fleet of B-2 Spirit Bombers
  • Bombers grounded after in-flight malfunction in plane
  • B-2 Bombers part of aerial wing of USA's nuclear triad

Latest news

\'Mereko marwaoge\': Rohit Sharma's hilarious response to Pujara, Rahane 'retirement mistake' goes viral

\'Mereko marwaoge\': Rohit Sharma's hilarious response to Pujara, Rahane 'retirement mistake' goes viral

Trains movement hit in Punjab as farmers squat on tracks as part of Rail Roko protest

Trains movement hit in Punjab as farmers squat on tracks as part of Rail Roko protest

Karan Aujla delivers electrifying performance in Delhi-NCR

Karan Aujla delivers electrifying performance in Delhi-NCR

Russian oil spill contaminates 50km of Black Sea beaches

Russian oil spill contaminates 50km of Black Sea beaches

Two Monkeypox cases reported in Kerala

Two Monkeypox cases reported in Kerala

Congress twisted facts, distorted my statement on Ambedkar: Amit Shah

Congress twisted facts, distorted my statement on Ambedkar: Amit Shah

2 dead, 75 rescued after speed boat rams into ferry off Mumbai coast

2 dead, 75 rescued after speed boat rams into ferry off Mumbai coast

PM Modi to visit Kuwait on December 21-22

PM Modi to visit Kuwait on December 21-22

USA's most feared nuclear warplane out of action: why grounding of all B-2 Spirit Bombers is significant

From Afghanistan to Iraq, and from Kosovo to Libya - the B-2 bomber has been part of many conflicts. But at a time when the Ukraine war has put the entire world on edge, the B-2 has been grounded.

USA's most feared nuclear warplane out of action: why grounding of all B-2 Spirit Bombers is significant

One of America's most feared aerial weapons - the B-2 Spirit bomber. It's very hard to detect, even by radar. It can fly 9,600 km without stopping or refuelling. And it can drop up to 20 tonnes of bombs on the enemy - both conventional and nuclear. But one accident has put this dangerous weapon out of action.

The B-2 bomber - a major part of America's nuclear triad - has been removed from USA's arsenal at a time when Russia is threatening the West with nuclear war, China is cornering Taiwan, and North Korea is growing more belligerent.


THE GROUNDING

From Afghanistan to Iraq, and from Kosovo to Libya - the B-2 bomber has been part of many conflicts. But at a time when the Ukraine war has put the entire world on edge, the B-2 has been grounded.

The US Air Force's entire fleet of B-2s has been grounded after a malfunction in one of the warplanes. The 'safety pause' was ordered by the Air Force Global Strike Command. Each bomber plane will be inspected, as per reports. There is no "speculated end date" for the B-2 grounding yet. However, the bombers can still be flown for missions if ordered by the US President. This also means that for the first time in 26 years, no B-2 flyover will take place at the 2023 Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game.

ALSO WATCH | Doom Tech | 'Ninja' missile with blades, no blast: USA's secret weapon killed al-Qaeda chief al-Zawahiri?

MULTIPLE MISHAPS

USA's bomber fleet has seen multiple mishaps in recent years.

The latest incident took place on 10 December when a B-2 suffered an in-flight malfunction. The plane made an emergency landing and caught fire on the runway. The incident occurred at Whiteman airbase, and its runway was closed for over 10 days. No injuries were reported, and the plane was not carrying bombs.

The previous incident on 14 September, when a B-2's hydraulics system failed. Its landing gear collapsed while the plane was landing. The bomber skidded off the runway, and the repairs cost $10 million. This incident also took place at the Whiteman Air Force Base.

ALSO WATCH | Types, special features of Indian Army's weapons deployed against China at LAC

Before this, it was the B-1B Lancer bombers which were grounded in June 2018. A B-1B had made an emergency landing in Midland, Texas. The planes were grounded after an issue was found in ejection seat parts. The B-1Bs are important as they carry the US Air Force's largest conventional payloads, but not nuclear bombs.


WHY B-2 IS SPECIAL

The B-2 is considered a special aircraft because it combines very long range, a heavy explosive payload, and stealth capabilities.

It's a multi-role, heavy bomber warplane which is meant to penetrate enemy air defences, and attack with both nuclear and conventional bombs. A fleet of around 20 planes is housed at the US Air Force's Whiteman base. The bomber was first unveiled in 1989, and the first jet was delivered at Whiteman in 1993. The warplane proved its combat worthiness in Operation Allied Force against Serbia. The B-2 was also part of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq.


WHY GROUNDING IS SIGNIFICANT

The grounding of the B-2 is being considered very significant.

This is because the bombers are an important part of USA's nuclear arsenal. B-2s and B-52s form the aerial wing of USA's nuclear triad. A nuclear triad refers to a country's capability to attack from land, sea, and air. USA recently sent B-2s to Europe and the Indo-Pacific amid rising geopolitical tension.

ALSO WATCH | Doom Tech: USA misplaced 3 nuclear bombs in 3 different incidents; weapons still missing

The timing of this development is very unfortunate for America.

This is because of Russia's frequent nuclear threats amid its Ukraine invasion. Also, China's increasing show of military force against Taiwan, and North Korea's missile tests to achieve its "most powerful nuclear force" ambition are headaches for Washington. Amid all this, Iran is also continuing its tests amid failure to revive the 2015 nuclear deal.


PENTAGON'S REASSURANCE

America has denied that its military force is weakened by the absence of the bombers.

The Pentagon's spokesperson has said that the B-2 grounding doesn't make USA vulnerable in any way. Brig Gen Pat Ryder said that USA is maintaining bomber capability to deter adversaries, and also engage in combat, if needed. He said that the US military has a variety of capabilities in its strategic bomber fleet, and the B-52 fleet provides redundant capability to the B-2. The Pentagon said that at any time, aircraft, ships, and forces on ground are available to confront any threat.

Meanwhile, the ground is already being laid for the replacement of the Spirit bomber.


THE NEXT GENERATION

The B-21 Raider is expected to gradually replace the US Air Force's B-1 and B-2 bombers. The B-21 Raider is a 6th-generation, stealth bomber which was unveiled recently. It has been called the most advanced military aircraft ever built, by Northrop Grumman, the manufacturer. The B-21 has a variety of capabilities, from intel gathering, to battle management, and ally integration. It has been built with an open-system architecture, making it highly adaptable.

USA sees itself as a keeper of global peace. At a time when its adversaries are challenging the world order, America is under greater pressure to maintain its military deterrence. Quick resolution of safety issues in the B-2 bombers, or swift induction of the new B-21 Raiders appears to be an important part of this.

ADVERTISEMENT

Up Next

USA's most feared nuclear warplane out of action: why grounding of all B-2 Spirit Bombers is significant

USA's most feared nuclear warplane out of action: why grounding of all B-2 Spirit Bombers is significant

'Vultures': opposition leaders condemn UP minister for 'PR' with soldier's mother

'Vultures': opposition leaders condemn UP minister for 'PR' with soldier's mother

The India Story | How India can capitalise on good AI?

The India Story | How India can capitalise on good AI?

The India Story | Should Artificial Intelligence get access to the internet

The India Story | Should Artificial Intelligence get access to the internet

Decoded: the rise of AI and how it can change our world | The India Story

Decoded: the rise of AI and how it can change our world | The India Story

Decoded: editorji explains UGC’s foreign education push | The India Story

Decoded: editorji explains UGC’s foreign education push | The India Story

ADVERTISEMENT

editorji-whatsApp

More videos

Not Ukraine, this conflict in Europe has more potential to cause NATO-Russia war? | Serbia v Kosovo

Not Ukraine, this conflict in Europe has more potential to cause NATO-Russia war? | Serbia v Kosovo

UK: 7 types of workers going on strike at Christmas peak; Rishi Sunak's 'Grinch' attack on trade unions

UK: 7 types of workers going on strike at Christmas peak; Rishi Sunak's 'Grinch' attack on trade unions

Types, special features of Indian Army's weapons deployed against China at LAC | Tawang clash

Types, special features of Indian Army's weapons deployed against China at LAC | Tawang clash

Germany coup plot: Iridium sat phones, fortune-tellers, Russian aid? Reichsbürger conspiracy decoded

Germany coup plot: Iridium sat phones, fortune-tellers, Russian aid? Reichsbürger conspiracy decoded

Taliban desperate for Indian help? Pakistan economic crisis, China debt trap tactic haunting Afghanistan?

Taliban desperate for Indian help? Pakistan economic crisis, China debt trap tactic haunting Afghanistan?

Should Gujarat host Olympics? Good, bad, ugly of BJP's election promise explained

Should Gujarat host Olympics? Good, bad, ugly of BJP's election promise explained

BJP's 10 Gujarat promises: 2017 versus 2022 | Assembly Elections 2022

BJP's 10 Gujarat promises: 2017 versus 2022 | Assembly Elections 2022

Congress' 10 promises to Gujarat: 2017 versus 2022 | Assembly Election Manifesto

Congress' 10 promises to Gujarat: 2017 versus 2022 | Assembly Election Manifesto

AAP's Gujarat promises: 2017 versus 2022 | Assembly Elections

AAP's Gujarat promises: 2017 versus 2022 | Assembly Elections

Decoded: FIFA World Cup in Qatar kicks off amid 'sportswashing' allegations

Decoded: FIFA World Cup in Qatar kicks off amid 'sportswashing' allegations

Decoded | Getting a foreign degree: what do the numbers say?

Decoded | Getting a foreign degree: what do the numbers say?

Decoded: India's big diplomatic moment at G20 amid US - China relations & Ukraine - Russia war

Decoded: India's big diplomatic moment at G20 amid US - China relations & Ukraine - Russia war

Who Wants To Be A Billionaire: Pakistan Army Edition | How Bajwa's family prospered as nation struggled

Who Wants To Be A Billionaire: Pakistan Army Edition | How Bajwa's family prospered as nation struggled

Zakir Naik: why Interpol rejected India's pleas; what he said on Hindu temples, Osama bin Laden, terror

Zakir Naik: why Interpol rejected India's pleas; what he said on Hindu temples, Osama bin Laden, terror

Ukraine war: Pakistan link to missile which hit Poland, sparked World War 3 fears | Russia S-300

Ukraine war: Pakistan link to missile which hit Poland, sparked World War 3 fears | Russia S-300

Decoded: The stark contrast between abortion laws in India vs the US

Decoded: The stark contrast between abortion laws in India vs the US

What if NATO had blamed Russia for Poland missile blast? | 6 steps to World War 3

What if NATO had blamed Russia for Poland missile blast? | 6 steps to World War 3

Horrific murders of every decade which shocked India: 1990s to now

Horrific murders of every decade which shocked India: 1990s to now

Decoded: World leaders converge at COP27 as time runs out to save the world

Decoded: World leaders converge at COP27 as time runs out to save the world

Comparison: India's first private space rocket versus SpaceX's Falcon 1, Blue Origin's New Shepard

Comparison: India's first private space rocket versus SpaceX's Falcon 1, Blue Origin's New Shepard

Congress' 10 promises: 2017 versus 2022 | Himachal Pradesh election manifesto

Congress' 10 promises: 2017 versus 2022 | Himachal Pradesh election manifesto

BJP's 10 promises: 2017 versus 2022 | Himachal Pradesh election manifesto

BJP's 10 promises: 2017 versus 2022 | Himachal Pradesh election manifesto

Pakistan govt paid killer of 1st PM Liaqat Khan; mysterious deaths in Benazir Bhutto assassination case

Pakistan govt paid killer of 1st PM Liaqat Khan; mysterious deaths in Benazir Bhutto assassination case

Decoded | Sedition law explained: Time for 'colonial baggage' to go?

Decoded | Sedition law explained: Time for 'colonial baggage' to go?

Decoded | India invites foreign investment as Davos World Economic Forum reflects global conflict

Decoded | India invites foreign investment as Davos World Economic Forum reflects global conflict

Decoded | The life and death of Sidhu Moose Wala

Decoded | The life and death of Sidhu Moose Wala

Decoded: How did the Sri Lanka economic crisis get so dire?

Decoded: How did the Sri Lanka economic crisis get so dire?

Decoded: India’s development model shines as China abandons ‘friend’ Sri Lanka

Decoded: India’s development model shines as China abandons ‘friend’ Sri Lanka

Decoded: Elon Musk takes over Twitter, and chaos reigns

Decoded: Elon Musk takes over Twitter, and chaos reigns

Before Imran Khan: watch how Liaqat Ali, Benazir Bhutto were killed, how Pervez Musharraf was targeted

Before Imran Khan: watch how Liaqat Ali, Benazir Bhutto were killed, how Pervez Musharraf was targeted

Comparison: suspension bridge collapse in Morbi, China, USA, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Vietnam

Comparison: suspension bridge collapse in Morbi, China, USA, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Vietnam

Decoded: Can Rishi Sunak unite a divided United Kingdom?

Decoded: Can Rishi Sunak unite a divided United Kingdom?

Decoded | Texas school shooting: the problem with America's gun culture

Decoded | Texas school shooting: the problem with America's gun culture

Proof of CIA trying to create 'super soldier'? Money trail leads to this DNA-editing firm | Doom Tech

Proof of CIA trying to create 'super soldier'? Money trail leads to this DNA-editing firm | Doom Tech

Russia's 'suicide' strategy: Ukraine needs this US weapon to counter cheap Iranian kamikaze drones

Russia's 'suicide' strategy: Ukraine needs this US weapon to counter cheap Iranian kamikaze drones

Indian Army’s special weapon against terrorists: Belgian Malinois dogs of Osama, Baghdadi op fame

Indian Army’s special weapon against terrorists: Belgian Malinois dogs of Osama, Baghdadi op fame

ISRO-Mittal challenging SpaceX-Musk in satellite internet? India's heaviest rocket to launch OneWeb sats

ISRO-Mittal challenging SpaceX-Musk in satellite internet? India's heaviest rocket to launch OneWeb sats

UK: religious change revealed by census sparking Partition concern over Northern Ireland?

UK: religious change revealed by census sparking Partition concern over Northern Ireland?

2 days, 5 murders: Indian-Americans unsafe, 'dotbuster' era back in USA? Kidnappings, killings spark fear

2 days, 5 murders: Indian-Americans unsafe, 'dotbuster' era back in USA? Kidnappings, killings spark fear

Army chopper crash: after LCH Prachand, military needs these 2 new types of made-in-India helicopters

Army chopper crash: after LCH Prachand, military needs these 2 new types of made-in-India helicopters

Why India's new LCH Prachand is 'extreme' weapon: special nuclear protection, stealth tech, & more

Why India's new LCH Prachand is 'extreme' weapon: special nuclear protection, stealth tech, & more

China’s ‘secret’ police stations in other countries: illegally hunting Beijing’s ‘enemies’ in US, Europe?

China’s ‘secret’ police stations in other countries: illegally hunting Beijing’s ‘enemies’ in US, Europe?

19 articles, 6 topics: American media on Modi govt - some examples after Jaishankar's 'bias' claim

19 articles, 6 topics: American media on Modi govt - some examples after Jaishankar's 'bias' claim

China: see latest pics from Beijing amid coup rumours, Xi Jinping house arrest claims

China: see latest pics from Beijing amid coup rumours, Xi Jinping house arrest claims

NASA's biggest mission yet to save Earth from space threats: DART to crash into asteroid

NASA's biggest mission yet to save Earth from space threats: DART to crash into asteroid

Robot dinosaurs, artificial moon, no roads, no cars: Saudi Arabia's plan for new linear city The Line

Robot dinosaurs, artificial moon, no roads, no cars: Saudi Arabia's plan for new linear city The Line

Charles last king of UK? Royal family's status under threat as Queen's death emboldens republicans

Charles last king of UK? Royal family's status under threat as Queen's death emboldens republicans

11 top Russian businessmen dead in 9 months: shot, stabbed, fell from buildings. Putin routing rebellion?

11 top Russian businessmen dead in 9 months: shot, stabbed, fell from buildings. Putin routing rebellion?

This tech can fool nations into going to war, make 9/11-style attacks easier? | Doom Tech

This tech can fool nations into going to war, make 9/11-style attacks easier? | Doom Tech

Doom Tech | Why Putin is scared of birds; USA's pigeon-guided missile project: bio-weapon claim decoded

Doom Tech | Why Putin is scared of birds; USA's pigeon-guided missile project: bio-weapon claim decoded

Doom Tech | How CIA used drugs, torture in mind control experiments; the Stranger Things link: MK-Ultra

Doom Tech | How CIA used drugs, torture in mind control experiments; the Stranger Things link: MK-Ultra

How Indian forces launch BrahMos missile: process, fail-safes explained; how Pakistan accident occurred

How Indian forces launch BrahMos missile: process, fail-safes explained; how Pakistan accident occurred

Indian missile accident exposes Pakistan's weakness? Chinese weapons can't stop BrahMos? | Doom Tech

Indian missile accident exposes Pakistan's weakness? Chinese weapons can't stop BrahMos? | Doom Tech

Pegasus row: How to know if your phone has been hacked? Here are the top 10 signs

Pegasus row: How to know if your phone has been hacked? Here are the top 10 signs

Is USA's Ninja missile illegal? Blade weapon which killed al-Zawahiri breaks global law? | Doom Tech

Is USA's Ninja missile illegal? Blade weapon which killed al-Zawahiri breaks global law? | Doom Tech

Doom Tech | USA misplaced 3 nuclear bombs in 3 different incidents; weapons still missing

Doom Tech | USA misplaced 3 nuclear bombs in 3 different incidents; weapons still missing

USA's top-secret nuclear weapon papers taken illegally from White House; enemy leak risk? Trump raid row

USA's top-secret nuclear weapon papers taken illegally from White House; enemy leak risk? Trump raid row

Fatwa Attacks: before Salman Rushdie, other victims; bizarre anti-selfie, smiley fatwas

Fatwa Attacks: before Salman Rushdie, other victims; bizarre anti-selfie, smiley fatwas

Kidnapped girl kept near her home for years, but not found. How Pooja Gaud's missing case was solved

Kidnapped girl kept near her home for years, but not found. How Pooja Gaud's missing case was solved

Doom Tech | Forget USA's 'Ninja' blade missile, these autonomous weapons don't need human operators

Doom Tech | Forget USA's 'Ninja' blade missile, these autonomous weapons don't need human operators

Unsolved Crimes | Family at home, 6-yr-old killed in basement; killer still unknown: JonBenet Ramsey case

Unsolved Crimes | Family at home, 6-yr-old killed in basement; killer still unknown: JonBenet Ramsey case

Unsolved Crimes | Disappearance of US teen Natalee Holloway: how suspect Joran played with police

Unsolved Crimes | Disappearance of US teen Natalee Holloway: how suspect Joran played with police

Doom Tech | 'Ninja' missile with blades, no blast: USA's secret weapon killed al-Qaeda chief al-Zawahiri?

Doom Tech | 'Ninja' missile with blades, no blast: USA's secret weapon killed al-Qaeda chief al-Zawahiri?

Doom Tech | Planes spray dangerous chemicals to cause illness, influence stocks? Chemtrails claim decoded

Doom Tech | Planes spray dangerous chemicals to cause illness, influence stocks? Chemtrails claim decoded

Doom Tech | USA's earthquake weapon; Nikola Tesla's design; HAARP truth: conspiracy theory decoded

Doom Tech | USA's earthquake weapon; Nikola Tesla's design; HAARP truth: conspiracy theory decoded

Doom Tech | Machine that causes cloudburst, floods: fact or fiction? Decoding KCR's conspiracy theory

Doom Tech | Machine that causes cloudburst, floods: fact or fiction? Decoding KCR's conspiracy theory

Decoded: China’s ‘debt trap diplomacy’ - Which other countries can go down the way of Sri Lanka?

Decoded: China’s ‘debt trap diplomacy’ - Which other countries can go down the way of Sri Lanka?

Boris Johnson fights for his future: what led to spate of resignations | Explained

Boris Johnson fights for his future: what led to spate of resignations | Explained

Eid-al-Adha 2022: How biryani wears different flavours all over India

Eid-al-Adha 2022: How biryani wears different flavours all over India

The rise and fall of the Maha Vikas Aghadi

The rise and fall of the Maha Vikas Aghadi

USA: 20-year mega-drought, worst in 1,200 years, continues; water scarcity lessons for India?

USA: 20-year mega-drought, worst in 1,200 years, continues; water scarcity lessons for India?

Decoded | Quad Summit 2022: Can the Quad counter China in the Indo Pacific?

Decoded | Quad Summit 2022: Can the Quad counter China in the Indo Pacific?

Decoded | Can judicial reforms enable the delivery of swift justice?

Decoded | Can judicial reforms enable the delivery of swift justice?

Explained: how Russia is obstructing delivery of weapons to Ukraine

Explained: how Russia is obstructing delivery of weapons to Ukraine

Decoded | FM Nirmala Sitharaman's outreach at Silicon Valley: Be part of India's growth story

Decoded | FM Nirmala Sitharaman's outreach at Silicon Valley: Be part of India's growth story

Decoded: India rubbishes NYT article on Covid death toll calculation by WHO

Decoded: India rubbishes NYT article on Covid death toll calculation by WHO

Ukraine Invasion | Biden calls Putin a 'war criminal': Who is a war criminal and what happens

Ukraine Invasion | Biden calls Putin a 'war criminal': Who is a war criminal and what happens

Molnupiravir: All you need to know about the oral anti-Covid pill

Molnupiravir: All you need to know about the oral anti-Covid pill

EJ explainer: India's precautionary shot, world's booster shot - is there a difference?

EJ explainer: India's precautionary shot, world's booster shot - is there a difference?

Amid Omicron scare, what is this talk about Delmicron? Here's all you need to know

Amid Omicron scare, what is this talk about Delmicron? Here's all you need to know

Explained | Screaming your lungs out might be therapeutic

Explained | Screaming your lungs out might be therapeutic

Blurring the pink and blue lines: Is gender neutral play for children the way forward?

Blurring the pink and blue lines: Is gender neutral play for children the way forward?

Playground of influence: the business of kidfluencing is a ticking time bomb

Playground of influence: the business of kidfluencing is a ticking time bomb

Filter, filter on the (video) call: who's the most deluded of them all

Filter, filter on the (video) call: who's the most deluded of them all

COP26: What is it and why is it the world's last chance for climate action?

COP26: What is it and why is it the world's last chance for climate action?

Are Bhowanipore bypolls a stepping stone for Mamata's national aspirations?

Are Bhowanipore bypolls a stepping stone for Mamata's national aspirations?

Editorji Technologies Pvt. Ltd. © 2022 All Rights Reserved.