US Air Force Tests B-2 Spirit Bombers Capabilities in Contested Environment as Tensions Rise in Pacific
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Exercise Bamboo Eagle 25-1 showcased the strategic capabilities of the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, a key asset in U.S. deterrence operations. This large-scale training event, organized by the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center, tested the ability of the B-2 and other allied air forces to operate in contested environments and conduct precision strikes. Designed to evade sophisticated air defense systems and deliver both conventional and nuclear payloads over long distances, the B-2 played a central role in demonstrating rapid deployment and long-range strike capabilities.
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A B-2 Spirit stealth bomber taxied down the runway at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, on February 10, 2025, preparing for takeoff during Exercise Bamboo Eagle. (Picture source: US DoD)
Bringing together more than 10,000 personnel from various U.S. Air Force commands, joint services, and allied forces, including the Royal Air Force, the Royal Australian Air Force, and the Royal Canadian Air Force, the exercise took place across strategic locations in the United States and the Pacific, such as California, Hawaii, Florida, and Guam. It was designed to assess and enhance operational readiness, with the B-2 Spirit at the forefront of these efforts. The bomber’s ability to penetrate heavily defended airspace and conduct high-value strikes was tested in scenarios reflecting modern combat challenges.
The B-2 Spirit, developed by Northrop Grumman and exclusively operated by the U.S. Air Force, remains a critical asset in strategic deterrence. Developed in the 1980s, this stealth bomber features a flying wing design and radar-absorbing materials, allowing it to evade advanced air defense systems. Its intercontinental range allows it to travel over 11,000 km without refueling and up to 19,000 km with aerial refueling. Its arsenal includes precision-guided JDAM bombs, laser-guided bombs, and nuclear weapons such as the B61 and B83, enabling it to execute strategic strike missions.
With only 21 units produced, the B-2 Spirit is one of the rarest and most expensive combat aircraft in history, each costing over $2 billion. It is operated by the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, where it remains on constant alert for deterrence and strike missions. Its recent use against underground targets in Yemen highlights its role in high-value strikes, leveraging stealth to operate in contested airspace while minimizing risks to allied forces. The B-2 is set to be gradually replaced by the B-21 Raider, but it remains the only stealth bomber in active service worldwide, providing a decisive strategic advantage.
Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Manglitz, commander of the 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, emphasized the importance of intensive training in building confidence and adaptability among personnel. Captain Gabrielle Franze, maintenance officer of the 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, also highlighted the evolution of combat methods, requiring a more dynamic approach and enhanced problem-solving capabilities in complex situations.
A key aspect of Bamboo Eagle 25-1 was the joint and allied collaboration, fostering cross-learning and operational integration. The participation of units such as the 50th Air Refueling Squadron and its KC-135 Stratotankers illustrated the critical role of aerial refueling in extending the range and endurance of combat aircraft. Maintenance teams, including those from the 366th Maintenance Squadron, ensured aircraft availability across dispersed operations. Lieutenant Benjamin Brooks acknowledged the dedication of these technicians, whose contributions remain vital to mission success.
The exercise also tested command and control capabilities in contested environments, a crucial element for operational superiority. Crews of the Royal Australian Air Force’s E-7A Wedgetail aircraft strengthened their integration with U.S. command structures, developing a common understanding of tactics suited to operations with limited information.
Group Captain Guy Lefroy, commander of the British detachment, emphasized Bamboo Eagle’s role in refining individual and collective capabilities. According to him, the training effectively integrated tactical effects previously developed in exercises such as Red Flag but applied them in a dispersed forces and distributed command setting.
At the conclusion of this exercise, participants emerged better prepared for realistic and demanding operational conditions. Bamboo Eagle 25-1 has established itself as an advanced multi-domain training event, reinforcing the readiness of U.S. and allied forces to face modern conflicts. This immersive training affirms the ability of allied forces to adapt to emerging threats and maintain optimal operational responsiveness.
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Exercise Bamboo Eagle 25-1 showcased the strategic capabilities of the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, a key asset in U.S. deterrence operations. This large-scale training event, organized by the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center, tested the ability of the B-2 and other allied air forces to operate in contested environments and conduct precision strikes. Designed to evade sophisticated air defense systems and deliver both conventional and nuclear payloads over long distances, the B-2 played a central role in demonstrating rapid deployment and long-range strike capabilities.
A B-2 Spirit stealth bomber taxied down the runway at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, on February 10, 2025, preparing for takeoff during Exercise Bamboo Eagle. (Picture source: US DoD)
Bringing together more than 10,000 personnel from various U.S. Air Force commands, joint services, and allied forces, including the Royal Air Force, the Royal Australian Air Force, and the Royal Canadian Air Force, the exercise took place across strategic locations in the United States and the Pacific, such as California, Hawaii, Florida, and Guam. It was designed to assess and enhance operational readiness, with the B-2 Spirit at the forefront of these efforts. The bomber’s ability to penetrate heavily defended airspace and conduct high-value strikes was tested in scenarios reflecting modern combat challenges.
The B-2 Spirit, developed by Northrop Grumman and exclusively operated by the U.S. Air Force, remains a critical asset in strategic deterrence. Developed in the 1980s, this stealth bomber features a flying wing design and radar-absorbing materials, allowing it to evade advanced air defense systems. Its intercontinental range allows it to travel over 11,000 km without refueling and up to 19,000 km with aerial refueling. Its arsenal includes precision-guided JDAM bombs, laser-guided bombs, and nuclear weapons such as the B61 and B83, enabling it to execute strategic strike missions.
With only 21 units produced, the B-2 Spirit is one of the rarest and most expensive combat aircraft in history, each costing over $2 billion. It is operated by the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, where it remains on constant alert for deterrence and strike missions. Its recent use against underground targets in Yemen highlights its role in high-value strikes, leveraging stealth to operate in contested airspace while minimizing risks to allied forces. The B-2 is set to be gradually replaced by the B-21 Raider, but it remains the only stealth bomber in active service worldwide, providing a decisive strategic advantage.
Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Manglitz, commander of the 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, emphasized the importance of intensive training in building confidence and adaptability among personnel. Captain Gabrielle Franze, maintenance officer of the 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, also highlighted the evolution of combat methods, requiring a more dynamic approach and enhanced problem-solving capabilities in complex situations.
A key aspect of Bamboo Eagle 25-1 was the joint and allied collaboration, fostering cross-learning and operational integration. The participation of units such as the 50th Air Refueling Squadron and its KC-135 Stratotankers illustrated the critical role of aerial refueling in extending the range and endurance of combat aircraft. Maintenance teams, including those from the 366th Maintenance Squadron, ensured aircraft availability across dispersed operations. Lieutenant Benjamin Brooks acknowledged the dedication of these technicians, whose contributions remain vital to mission success.
The exercise also tested command and control capabilities in contested environments, a crucial element for operational superiority. Crews of the Royal Australian Air Force’s E-7A Wedgetail aircraft strengthened their integration with U.S. command structures, developing a common understanding of tactics suited to operations with limited information.
Group Captain Guy Lefroy, commander of the British detachment, emphasized Bamboo Eagle’s role in refining individual and collective capabilities. According to him, the training effectively integrated tactical effects previously developed in exercises such as Red Flag but applied them in a dispersed forces and distributed command setting.
At the conclusion of this exercise, participants emerged better prepared for realistic and demanding operational conditions. Bamboo Eagle 25-1 has established itself as an advanced multi-domain training event, reinforcing the readiness of U.S. and allied forces to face modern conflicts. This immersive training affirms the ability of allied forces to adapt to emerging threats and maintain optimal operational responsiveness.
