B2 Bomber

B2 Bomber Price in India, Top-speed, Specifications and Characteristics

The B-2 Spirit, or Stealth Bomber, is among the most advanced military aircraft. Developed by Northrop Grumman for the United States Air Force (USAF), this long-range, heavy-payload bomber can penetrate dense enemy defenses using low-observable stealth technology. India does not operate the B-2, which costs over $2 billion per unit, making it one of the priciest aircraft ever.

The B-2 has a top speed of about 1,010 km/h (Mach 0.95) and an unrefueled range of roughly 11,000 km. This range allows it to strike targets worldwide. Its blended wing design, advanced radar-absorbent materials, and precision-guided munitions make it a key player in modern warfare. With a payload capacity of up to 40,000 lbs (18,000 kg), the B-2 can carry both conventional and nuclear weapons.

Though not for sale, the B-2 symbolizes cutting-edge stealth and strike power that no other bomber matches.

B2 Bomber Price in India

The Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit, commonly known as the B-2 stealth bomber, is one of the most advanced and expensive military aircraft ever built. Its unit cost is approximately $2 billion (USD), which translates to over ₹16,000 crore in Indian currency.

Read More: F-35 Fighter Jet Price in Indian Rupees, Top-speed, Specifications and Characteristics

Performance

Feature Specification
Maximum Speed 1,010 km/h (628 mph, Mach 0.95)
Cruising Speed 900 km/h (560 mph)
Range (unrefueled) 11,100 km (6,900 miles)
Range (with refueling) Virtually unlimited
Service Ceiling 50,000 ft (15,240 meters)
Combat Radius 5,400 km (3,300 miles)
Takeoff Weight (Max) 170,600 kg (376,000 lbs)
Payload Capacity 18,000 kg (40,000 lbs)
Engines 4 × General Electric F118-GE-100 turbofans

Specs

Specification Details
Manufacturer Northrop Grumman
Role Stealth strategic heavy bomber
Crew 2 (pilot and mission commander)
First Flight July 17, 1989
Entered Service January 1, 1997
Number Built 21 units (1 lost in crash)
Unit Cost ~$2 billion USD

Dimensions

Feature Specification
Wingspan 172 ft (52.4 m)
Length 69 ft (21 m)
Height 17 ft (5.2 m)
Wing Area 5,140 ft² (478 m²)

Powerplant

Feature Specification
Engines 4 × General Electric F118-GE-100 turbofans
Thrust per Engine 17,300 lbf (77 kN) each

Armament

Type Details
Bomb Capacity Up to 40,000 lbs (18,000 kg)
Conventional JDAMs, Mk-82 bombs, CBU-87/89/97
Nuclear B61 and B83 nuclear bombs
Weapon Bays 2 internal bays to maintain stealth

Alternatives

🇺🇸 1. B-21 Raider (USA – Successor to the B-2)

  • Status: Under development; first flight in 2023

  • Stealth: More advanced than B-2 with modern digital systems

  • Range: Intercontinental (specifics classified)

  • Payload: Likely ~30,000 lbs

  • Key Advantage: More cost-effective and survivable than B-2

  • Unit Cost: ~$700 million (estimated)

🇷🇺 2. Tupolev Tu-160M ‘Blackjack’ (Russia)

  • Type: Supersonic strategic bomber (not stealth)

  • Speed: Mach 2.05

  • Range: 12,300 km

  • Payload: Up to 40,000 kg (88,000 lbs)

  • Key Advantage: Speed and payload

  • Limitation: Not stealthy

🇷🇺 3. Tupolev PAK DA (Russia – Upcoming Stealth Bomber)

  • Status: In development

  • Design: Flying wing, stealth similar to B-2

  • Expected Features: Long-range, nuclear-capable, low observability

  • First Flight: Expected around 2025–2027

🇨🇳 4. Xian H-20 (China)

  • Status: In development (possibly near unveiling)

  • Design: Flying wing (similar to B-2)

  • Range: Estimated ~8,000 km

  • Payload: ~10,000–20,000 kg

  • Focus: Precision strikes and nuclear delivery with stealth

🇮🇳 5. India’s Strategic Alternatives

India currently does not operate strategic bombers, but uses long-range strike aircraft like:

  • Sukhoi Su-30MKI – Multirole fighter with BrahMos cruise missile capability

  • Mirage 2000 – Nuclear-capable

Bomber Country Stealth Speed Range (km) Payload
B-2 Spirit USA Yes Mach 0.95 11,100 18,000 kg
B-21 Raider USA Yes Unknown Intercontinental ~13,600+ kg (est.)
Tu-160M Russia No Mach 2.05 12,300 40,000 kg
PAK DA Russia Yes (planned) Unknown Unknown ~30,000+ kg (est.)
H-20 China Yes (planned) Unknown ~8,000 (est.) ~10,000–20,000 kg

FAQs

1. What is the price of the B-2 bomber in India?

The B-2 Spirit is not available for sale to any country. Each unit costs approximately $2 billion USD, and it’s exclusively operated by the United States Air Force. India does not own or operate any B-2 bombers.

2. Why is the B-2 Spirit so expensive?

The B-2’s high cost is due to:

  • Advanced stealth technology

  • Sophisticated avionics and radar evasion systems

  • Limited production (only 21 made)

  • Costly maintenance and special hangars required

3. Can India buy the B-2 bomber?

No. The B-2 is a highly classified military asset of the U.S., and it is not sold or exported. India focuses instead on strategic missiles, submarines, and multirole fighters for its deterrence capabilities.

4. What makes the B-2 different from other bombers?

The B-2 is unique because of its:

  • Flying wing design for extreme stealth

  • Capability to carry nuclear and conventional weapons

  • Ability to penetrate deep into enemy territory without detection

  • Global reach with aerial refueling

5. What is the range of the B-2 bomber?

  • Unrefueled range: 11,100 km

  • With aerial refueling: Global (practically unlimited)

6. How many B-2 bombers does the U.S. have?

The U.S. built 21 B-2s, but one crashed. As of now, 20 B-2 bombers remain, and only a portion are combat-ready at any given time.

7. What is replacing the B-2?

The B-21 Raider, a next-generation stealth bomber, is being developed by Northrop Grumman to replace both the B-2 and the B-1 Lancer.

8. Does India have any stealth bombers?

No. India does not operate any stealth bombers. However, it is developing:

  • AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) – a fifth-generation stealth fighter
    India relies on ballistic missiles, submarines, and aircraft for its nuclear deterrent strategy.

9. Can the B-2 carry nuclear weapons?

Yes. The B-2 is a key part of the U.S. nuclear triad and can carry B61 and B83 nuclear bombs.

10. How does the B-2 stay hidden from radar?

The B-2 uses:

  • Radar-absorbent materials (RAM)

  • Low observable shape with no vertical stabilizers

  • Internal weapon bays

  • Special heat management systems

Conclusion

The B-2 Spirit is one of the most iconic stealth bombers ever made. It represents the peak of modern aerial warfare. Its flying wing design, radar-evading features, and global strike range make it vital for U.S. defense. The cost of a B-2 is around $2 billion per unit. This high price reflects its unmatched performance and complex engineering. For countries like India, buying such an aircraft isn’t realistic due to its classified nature and U.S. export rules.

Instead, India focuses on developing its technologies, like the AMCA, and relies on missile and submarine deterrents. The upcoming B-21 Raider will replace the B-2, continuing the legacy of stealth bombers. The B-2 Spirit remains a symbol of advanced aerospace innovation and a strong asset in military aviation.

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