A recent report published by The National Interest, an American international relations security journal, has sparked widespread discussion. Titled “5 Stealth Weapons Have Made The U.S. Military Unstoppable,” the analysis delves into the technological advancements that cemented U.S. military superiority.
The concept of radar-invisible aircraft was once an ambitious dream, hindered by limited scientific understanding and technological capability. A major obstacle was the incomplete knowledge of how radar waves interacted with different object shapes. Initially, scientists struggled to create aircraft that could evade detection by radar, let alone render them invisible to the human eye.
However, that began to change with the work of Russian physicist Pyotr Ufimtsev, whose research predicted how electromagnetic waves would reflect off various surfaces. Though Ufimtsev’s groundbreaking work held significant potential for modern warfare, the Soviet Union failed to recognize its value. Instead, the United States seized the opportunity by translating his papers, setting the stage for a revolution in stealth technology.
Armed with Ufimtsev’s insights, engineers at Lockheed Martin, one of America’s leading defense contractors, developed accurate models to reduce an aircraft’s radar cross-section. This breakthrough led to the development of the world’s first operational stealth bomber, the Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk.
Stealth capabilities soon became a standard requirement for U.S. tactical aircraft, fundamentally reshaping modern aerial warfare. Today, the U.S. military’s fleet of stealth aircraft, feared by adversaries worldwide, comprises four key platforms that continue to enhance America’s strategic and tactical advantages on the battlefield.
The F-117 Nighthawk: The World’s First Operational Stealth Bomber
The F-117 Nighthawk, the world’s first operational stealth bomber, is leading the charge in stealth technology. Developed by Lockheed under the “Have Blue Project,” the F-117 was designed with radar evasion as its primary objective, marking a significant leap in modern military aviation.
While often mistakenly called a “stealth fighter,” the F-117 is a tactical bomber lacking any air-to-air combat capabilities. The aircraft’s design prioritized a low radar signature over aerodynamic performance, making fly-by-wire technology—initially developed for the F-16—essential. This system, which uses electronic signals rather than mechanical controls, was crucial in allowing the F-117 to achieve its radar-evading capabilities. Ultimately, more than 60 units of the Nighthawk were produced.
For years, the U.S. Air Force kept the existence of the F-117 under wraps. Even after a 1986 crash near Bakersfield, California, the Air Force maintained secrecy. It wasn’t until 1988, after mounting public interest, that the aircraft’s existence was officially confirmed.
The F-117 made its combat debut during the 1989 invasion of Panama, conducting precision bombing missions. However, it truly earned its place in military history during Operation Desert Storm, where it played a key role in nighttime sorties over Baghdad, demonstrating the power of stealth technology on the battlefield.
F-117 to Remain in Service Until 2034 Despite Official Retirement
Though officially retired in 2008, the F-117 Nighthawk continues to play a role in the U.S. Air Force’s operations. After showcasing its capabilities in the 1990s during no-fly zone enforcement over Iraq, the Kosovo campaign, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, the F-117 seemed to have closed its chapter in American airpower history. However, recent reports indicate that the Air Force plans to keep some of these iconic stealth bombers operational until 2034.
According to Business Insider, the F-117 is currently being used to train U.S. pilots in counter-stealth tactics, simulating engagements against enemy stealth aircraft and cruise missiles. To support this, the Air Force is reportedly seeking defense contractors to maintain and service the F-117 fleet over the next decade, starting in 2024.
Stealth Bombers: A Core Element of U.S. Strategic Airpower
In addition to the F-117, the U.S. Air Force operates three primary strategic bombers. The B-52H Stratofortress and B-2 Spirit are nuclear-capable, while the B-1B Lancer, though not equipped to carry nuclear weapons, offers a blend of stealth and speed. The B-1B can carry more than three times the bomb load of the B-2 and operates with a level of stealth superior to the B-52, making it a versatile asset in conventional operations.
Among these aircraft, the B-2 Spirit stands out as the U.S.’s first stealth strategic bomber, designed by Northrop Corporation and unveiled in 1988. Its tailless, radar-evading design was intended to penetrate Soviet air defenses during a nuclear conflict. Though the end of the Cold War curtailed the original production plan, leaving just 21 units built, the B-2 has proven its worth in multiple combat operations.
During the Gulf War in 1991, the successful use of the F-117 Nighthawk demonstrated the tactical advantage of stealth technology for precision strikes. This success led to the reconfiguration of B-2 squadrons for conventional missions, expanding its role beyond nuclear deterrence. The B-2 is equipped to carry a wide array of munitions, from B61 nuclear bombs to the 30,000-pound Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), which is capable of targeting deeply buried facilities.
The B-2’s Combat Legacy
First entering service over Kosovo in 1999, the B-2 Spirit has participated in numerous key operations, including Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. One of the most notable missions occurred in 2011 during Operation Odyssey Dawn, when three B-2 bombers flew from the continental U.S. to conduct precision strikes on Libya’s airfields. Carrying 45 Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs), the B-2 bombers covered 5,150 miles (8,300 kilometers) in a mission that lasted over 25 hours and required four in-flight refuelings.
The continued use of both the F-117 and B-2 bombers highlights the enduring significance of stealth technology in maintaining U.S. air superiority. With the F-117 training pilots and the B-2 executing global strike missions, the U.S. Air Force continues demonstrating its stealth fleet’s power and versatility.
F-22 Raptor: America’s Premier Air Superiority Fighter
Designed with a different operational focus from other stealth aircraft like the F-117 and B-2, the F-22 Raptor stands as the world’s first stealth fighter, excelling in air-to-air combat. Developed to replace the aging F-15 Eagle, the F-22 gives the U.S. Air Force a decisive advantage with its advanced stealth technology and unmatched maneuverability.
First deployed in December 2005, the F-22 remains the top fighter in service today, leading the fifth generation of combat aircraft. Unlike the F-35A Lightning, which also belongs to the fifth-generation class but is equipped with a single engine, the F-22 boasts twin engines, offering greater range and speed. While many allied nations, including the UK, Japan, and South Korea, operate the F-35A, only the United States flies the F-22, underscoring its unique strategic importance.
The F-22’s origins date back to the 1980s, when it emerged as part of the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) program. It was the first to combine superior maneuverability with cutting-edge stealth capabilities. It was designed to minimize radar and infrared signatures, giving air-to-air missiles a high probability of hitting their targets, making it the highest-performing fighter among its peers.
Known for its “3S” attributes—stealth, Speed, and Sensor fusion—the F-22 is widely regarded as the first aircraft to embody the core qualities of a fifth-generation fighter fully. It combines stealth capabilities with advanced avionics and thrust vectoring, allowing it to dominate in dogfights and beyond-visual-range engagements.
Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer, classifies the F-22 as a third-generation stealth aircraft. It builds on earlier innovations like the U-2 and SR-71 reconnaissance planes (first-generation stealth) and the F-117 Nighthawk and B-2 Spirit (second-generation stealth). The F-22 represents the pinnacle of this evolution, with its superior air dominance role.
The U.S. Air Force originally intended to purchase 750 F-22s to replace its F-15A and F-15C fighters fleet. However, budget constraints reduced the final order to just 183 aircraft, making each F-22 an even more valuable asset in maintaining U.S. air superiority.
Ohio-Class Submarines: The Backbone of America’s Undersea Nuclear Deterrent
The U.S. military’s most formidable weapons extend beyond its air power and into the depths of the ocean, where strategic nuclear submarines armed with submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) silently patrol. These submarines, particularly feared by the command structures of Russia, China, and North Korea, form a critical element of America’s nuclear deterrent. Only five nations worldwide operate strategic nuclear submarines, and the U.S. leads the pack with its Ohio-class submarines.
The Ohio-class submarines set the standard for strategic nuclear deterrence and represent the largest number of active nuclear submarines in service today. Remarkably, Russian or other anti-submarine detection systems have never detected these submarines, underscoring their unmatched stealth capabilities.
At 18,450 tons, the Ohio-class is the largest submarine type ever built by the United States. Its design prioritizes stealth, with a cylindrical hull shape that minimizes noise while ensuring swift and silent movement. The missile silos, arranged in two rows behind the sail, are designed to be flush with the hull to reduce water flow noise. Additionally, each submarine is equipped with two steam turbines for quieter operations, further enhancing its stealth.
Each Ohio-class SSBN (nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine) is armed with low-yield tactical nuclear warheads, specifically the W76-2, designed for the Trident II D5 SLBM. With a range of over 7,500 miles (12,000 kilometers), the Trident II D5 can deliver devastating power. The W76-2 warhead is a scaled-down version of the W76, reducing its yield to 5-7 kilotons from 90 kilotons. Integrated into the Mk4A re-entry vehicle, the W76-2 can carry up to eight warheads, offering precision and flexibility in its targeting.
The W76-2 warhead is also designed for specialized missions, acting as a “nuclear bunker buster” using advanced super-fuze technology. This allows it to destroy deeply buried missile facilities and command centers, making it a critical tool for targeting hardened underground infrastructure in adversary nations like China and North Korea. The Trident II D5, launched from over 6,200 miles (10,000 kilometers) away, has a reported accuracy with a margin of error of just 295 feet (90 meters). Its explosive force, over 1,000 times greater than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, underscores the sheer destructive capability these submarines possess.
Currently, the U.S. Navy operates 14 Ohio-class submarines, with eight deployed in the Pacific Fleet, ensuring a constant presence to deter any nuclear aggression. However, these submarines are set to be replaced by the next-generation Columbia-class SSBNs by 2031. The Navy plans to acquire 12 Columbia-class submarines, which are expected to carry 14 to 16 Trident II D5 missiles, further enhancing the U.S.’s undersea nuclear deterrent capabilities for decades to come.
Most Commented