| PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2018] In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to this situation? Linkage: “Operation Midnight Hammer: B-2 Bombers Strike Iran’s Nuclear Facilities,” details a significant event where the “U.S. military carried out precision strikes on three key Iranian nuclear facilities, mainly Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan”. This PYQ is highly relevant as it requires an analysis of the broader implications for India arising from such direct military actions and controversies involving the US and Iran’s nuclear capabilities, which are central to the “Operation Midnight Hammer” narrative. |
Mentor’s Comment: On June 21, 2025, the U.S. officially entered the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict by launching “Operation Midnight Hammer”, a precision strike on Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. What makes this operation historic is the first-ever operational use of the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOP), dropped by B-2 Spirit stealth bombers. Fordow, an ultra-hardened site buried deep within a mountain, had long been considered impregnable — even to Israeli firepower. This high-stakes attack involving stealth bombers, Tomahawk cruise missiles, and elaborate deception tactics showcases the evolving nature of strategic warfare, stealth technology, and nuclear deterrence dynamics, with significant implications for global security and geopolitics.
Today’s editorial discusses the effects of the recent U.S.A. Operation Midnight Hammer: B-2 Bombers Strike Iran’s Nuclear Facilities. This topic is important for GS Paper II (International Relations) in the UPSC mains exam.
_
Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Recently, the U.S. joined the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran by launching “Operation Midnight Hammer”, a targeted military strike on Iran’s main nuclear sites located at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
What is the B-2 Stealth Bomber?The B-2 Stealth Bomber, also known as the B-2 Spirit, is an advanced long-range, heavy bomber used by the United States Air Force. |
What are the geopolitical impacts of the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites?
- Undermining diplomatic efforts: The attack weakens ongoing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme, especially efforts to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which the U.S. exited in 2018.
- Message of deterrence and alliance assurance: The operation signals U.S. commitment to Israel’s security and aims to deter Iran’s nuclear ambitions, reaffirming strategic dominance in West Asia and setting a precedent like the 1981 Israeli strike on Iraq’s Osirak reactor.
How do technologies like B-2 bombers and bunker-busters shape modern warfare?
- Enhanced penetration of fortified targets: Bunker-buster bombs like the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator can destroy deeply buried nuclear facilities, such as Iran’s Fordow site, which is located inside a mountain.
- Stealth and survivability in hostile environments: The B-2 Spirit bomber, with its low radar signature and long-range capabilities, allows undetected strikes deep into enemy territory, demonstrated during Operation Midnight Hammerover Iran.
- Precision and reduced collateral damage: The use of GPS-guided munitions enables targeted destruction of critical infrastructure while minimizing civilian harm. The Tomahawk cruise missiles used alongside the B-2s in the Iran strike are an example.
What does U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict indicate about its West Asia strategy?
- Reinforcement of strategic alliances: The U.S. action shows its continued military and political support for Israel, especially after Israel’s initial strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. This underscores a long-standing alliance.
- Deterrence against nuclear proliferation: By targeting Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan facilities, the U.S. aims to send a strong message against the development of nuclear weapons by adversarial states in the region.
- Projection of power and dominance: The deployment of B-2 bombers and Tomahawk missiles illustrates America’s intent to maintain military superiority and influence over regional conflicts, ensuring its leadership role in West Asia’s security architecture.
What challenges arise in attacking underground nuclear sites like Fordow?
|
Does India have B-2 bomber capability?
- Lack of Stealth Bomber Technology: India does not possess any stealth bombers like the U.S. B-2 Spirit, which is capable of penetrating heavily fortified targets with low radar visibility. The B-2 is a unique platform operated exclusively by the United States.
- Current Indian Bomber Fleet: India relies on multirole fighter jets such as the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Rafale, and Mirage-2000 for strike missions. These aircraft are effective but lack deep-strike stealth capabilities and the payload capacity of strategic bombers.E.g. The Sukhoi Su-30MKI can carry cruise missiles like BrahMos, but not bunker-busters like the GBU-57.
- Strategic Focus and Alternatives: Instead of stealth bombers, India invests in missile-based deterrents such as the Agni series (ballistic missiles) and long-range cruise missiles. These provide strategic strike capability without the need for a dedicated stealth bomber. E.g. The Nirbhay cruise missile offers precision strike capability with a range of 1000+ km.
What can India do? (Way forward)
- Invest in Indigenous Stealth and Deep-Strike Platforms: India can accelerate development of indigenous stealth bombers or long-range unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) under future programs like AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) to enable penetration of heavily defended targets.
- Enhance Precision Missile and Bunker-Buster Arsenal: India can develop or acquire heavy bunker-busting munitions and integrate them with existing platforms like the Su-30MKI or future drones, while also upgrading satellite-guided targeting systems for deeper and more accurate strikes.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
