What is the B-2 stealth bomber and how does it work?

The B-2 Spirit, developed by Northrop Grumman, is a long-range strategic bomber built for penetrating dense air defences undetected. First flown in 1989, it remains a cornerstone of America’s stealth strike capabilities.

Its unique flying wing design, radar-absorbent coating, and managed heat emissions make it virtually invisible to radar and infrared detection systems. Northrop Grumman claims its radar signature is as small as 0.001 square metres—roughly the size of a bird.

Why is the B-2 the most survivable bomber in modern warfare?

Unlike conventional bombers, the B-2 is built for deep penetration missions. Its stealth features reduce radar, heat, visual, and acoustic signatures, making it hard to detect even by the world’s most advanced defence networks.

Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday he was still planning to take a short holiday in the north of Israel over the weekend. That now was clearly a deliberate ruse to distract Iran 

Israel-Iran live: Iran launches deadly strikes on Israel as fighting intensifies on fourth day

Iran and Israel have exchanged attacks for a fourth night, with Iranian rockets killing at least eight in central Israel and explosions reported in Tehran. Iran"s intelligence chief has been reported dead. Follow the latest and listen to Trump 100 as you scroll.

Monday 16 June 2025 09:10, UK

Here is a summary of the reported casualties from Israeli strikes, based on the latest available information from search results: ### ?? Key Casualty Figures 1. **Israeli Casualties from Iranian Strikes** - **Initial Reports (Israeli sources):** - 3 killed and 172 injured, according to Israel"s emergency services . - Later updates increased to 6 killed and 499 injured, as cited by Israeli media . - **Iranian Claims:** - At least 10-11 killed and 200+ injured, with assertions that Israel censored higher actual figures . - Damage included hits on airbases hosting F-35, F-16, and F-15 fighter jets, though military casualties were not disclosed . 2. **Palestinian and Independent Assessments** - Dozens potentially trapped in rubble after strikes, with hospitals treating serious injuries . - Palestinian sources accuse Israel of systematically underreporting military casualties . 3. **Iranian Casualties from Israeli Retaliation** - **5 November 2024 Strikes:** - 5 killed (4 military personnel, 1 guard) and "limited damage" to military sites in Tehran, Ilam, and Khuzestan . - **June 2025 Strikes:** - 128 killed and 900 injured, per Iran"s Health Ministry. Many victims were taken to military-linked hospitals, and rescue operations were ongoing . 4. **Infrastructure Damage** - **Israel:** Haifa oil refinery (critical for fuel supply) damaged . - **Iran:** Military sites (e.g., Parchin complex, S-300 systems) and radar installations targeted . ### ?? Key Discrepancies and Context - **Reporting Bias:** - Israel releases casualty figures incrementally, while Iran alleges systematic censorship . - U.S./Israeli assessments claim "severe damage" to Iran"s air defenses and missile capabilities; Iran downplays impacts . - **Escalation Timeline:** - Iranian strikes were retaliation for Israel"s assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh (July 2024) and earlier attacks . - Israel"s strikes targeted Iran"s missile/air defense infrastructure in response . ### ?? Summary Table of Reported Casualties | **Event** | **Israeli Casualties** | **Iranian Casualties** | **Key Targets** | |-----------------------------|------------------------|------------------------|----------------------------------| | **Iranian Strikes (2024-5)** | 3-6 killed, 172-499 injured | - | Airbases, Haifa refinery | | **Israeli Strikes (Nov 2024)** | - | 5 killed | S-300 systems, missile facilities | | **Israeli Strikes (Jun 2025)** | - | 128 killed, 900 injured | Multiple civilian/military sites | ### ?? Conclusion Casualty figures vary significantly based on sources, reflecting the information warfare accompanying this conflict. Israel acknowledges civilian injuries but omits military losses, while Iran inflates enemy casualties and minimizes its own losses. For ongoing updates, cross-referencing independent reports (e.g., NYT , Al-Mayadeen ) is essential.

tate television also reported the attack set the headquarters of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard ablaze.

Multiple sites in the capital had been hit in the attack, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said targeted both nuclear and military sites and officials leading Iran’s nuclear program and its ballistic missile arsenal.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel attacked Iran’s capital early Friday, with explosions booming across Tehran as Israel said it targeted nuclear and military sites.