In recent days, the US Air Force deployed 12 B-2 bombers for a flying exercise, marking the end of this year’s “Spirit Vigilance” exercise and representing the largest deployment of this aircraft model in recent years.
According to information released by the US Air Force on April 18, on April 15, at the conclusion of the 2024 “Spirit Vigilance” training exercise, the 12 B-2 “Spirit” bombers from the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri conducted an exercise known as the “Elephant Walk”. The aircraft taxied and took off in sequence, creating a spectacular scene. The US Air Force stated that this routine training “ensures Air Force pilots are ready to execute global strike operations anytime, anywhere”.
The scale of the B-2 deployment in this exercise is the largest in recent years. The previous largest deployment of B-2 bombers in a single operation was during the 2022 “Spirit Vigilance” exercise when a total of 8 aircraft were deployed.
“Spirit Vigilance” is an annual training exercise of the US Air Force aimed at enhancing the combat capabilities of the B-2 fleet and strengthening its readiness status. In times of major crises, all available B-2 bombers must quickly take to the skies to evade incoming threats or fly immediately to designated target areas.
The B-2 is currently the world’s only stealth strategic bomber and the most expensive aircraft model in the US Air Force, with a cost of up to $2.4 billion per aircraft and significant maintenance expenses. The aircraft boasts powerful capabilities, capable of penetrating enemy dense air defense systems. It is a key component of the US “triad” nuclear strike capability and is the only aircraft in active service in the US Air Force capable of deploying the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (weighing 30,000 pounds). The B-2’s weapons bay can carry two of these bombs.
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