Recently, the United States Air Force conducted a rare public flight of its B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber over European skies during NATO drills, drawing global attention. The exercise highlighted the bomber's ongoing operational role and underscored America’s strategic message in the context of growing tensions in Eastern Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

What is the B-2 Spirit?

• The B-2 Spirit, developed by Northrop Grumman, is a long-range strategic stealth bomber of the United States Air Force. First introduced in 1989 and declared operational in 1997, it remains one of the most advanced and expensive aircraft in the world, with each unit costing approximately $2 billion.
• Designed during the Cold War, its primary function is to penetrate dense anti-aircraft defenses and deliver both conventional and nuclear payloads deep into enemy territory—undetected.

Key Features of B-2 Spirit:

Its low radar cross-section and infrared signature make it capable of bypassing even sophisticated air defense systems, making it a cornerstone of America's strategic nuclear triad.

Strategic Importance:

1. Force Projection:

The B-2 allows the U.S. to project airpower anywhere globally without reliance on foreign bases.

2. Nuclear Deterrence:

It forms the air-based leg of the U.S. nuclear triad alongside land-based ICBMs and submarine-launched ballistic missiles.

3. Geopolitical Signaling:

Deploying the B-2 in joint exercises, especially in Eastern Europe or the Indo-Pacific, serves as a strategic message to adversaries like Russia and China.

4. Precision Strikes:

Equipped with advanced targeting systems, it can execute pinpoint strikes with minimal collateral damage.

Recent Developments:

• In 2024–25, the U.S. carried out B-2 flights in NATO-led military drills amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, reinforcing NATO’s commitment to collective defense.
• Upgrades have been underway under the ‘Block 30’ modernization program, improving avionics, defensive systems, and software.
• The B-2 is gradually being supplemented (not replaced yet) by the upcoming B-21 Raider, expected to begin operations by 2027.

India’s Relevance:

• While India does not operate strategic bombers like the B-2, it watches such developments for regional strategic balance, especially in the context of China's growing stealth and hypersonic capabilities.
• The technology behind stealth platforms informs India's own projects like Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
• India also participates in international air exercises where awareness of stealth capabilities becomes crucial.