In a dramatic display of modern airpower, four Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit stealth bombers carried out a coordinated strike deep inside Iranian airspace on March 1, 2026, during a mission referred to as Operation Epic Fury. The operation marked a sharp escalation in tensions between the United States and Iran, targeting fortified underground missile facilities designed to withstand conventional airstrikes. The mission involved a carefully synchronized effort among multiple aircraft types. As the B-2 bombers flew at high altitude using stealth technology to evade radar detection, Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor fighters provided air cover to counter potential threats, including Mikoyan MiG-29 interceptors. Pilots reportedly used terrain-masking tactics in the mountainous regions of northwestern Iran to reduce the chance of detection and maintain the element of surprise.
One of the most tense moments unfolded near Tabriz, where an Iranian MiG-29 attempted to intercept the incoming bombers. The escorting F-22 Raptors quickly responded, using superior speed, maneuverability, and advanced electronic warfare systems to disrupt the Iranian fighter’s targeting capabilities and force it out of the engagement. Electronic warfare aircraft also played a crucial role in clearing the path for the strike. Boeing EA-18G Growler jets worked to suppress Iranian radar and air defense systems while AGM-88 HARM missile systems targeted key installations.
As the B-2 bombers reached their objectives, crews deployed GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munition bombs designed to penetrate hardened structures. Some strikes were reportedly timed to coincide with missile launch cycles at facilities near the Strait of Hormuz, maximizing their impact. Satellite imagery released afterward suggested that several tunnel entrances collapsed, significantly damaging critical missile infrastructure. Analysts say the operation demonstrated how stealth technology, electronic warfare, and coordinated air operations remain central to modern military strategy and battlefield success.
