WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. — The Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit, the world's most advanced and expensive stealth bomber, continues to demonstrate unmatched penetrating strike capability as the U.S. Air Force deploys the aircraft in Operation Epic Fury against hardened targets in Iran.

With recent images showing B-2s departing Missouri for long-range missions — some featuring puzzling white patches along wing leading edges — the 35-year-old platform remains a cornerstone of American strategic power projection even as the B-21 Raider enters development. Here are 10 essential things to know about the B-2 Spirit as of April 2026.

1. The Most Expensive Aircraft Ever Built

Each B-2 Spirit carries a staggering program cost of approximately $2.13 billion when factoring in development, testing and production, making it the priciest combat aircraft in history. The total program cost through the early 2000s reached about $44.75 billion for just 21 aircraft produced between 1989 and 2000. Flyaway unit costs were lower — around $737 million per plane — but the combination of advanced stealth materials, flying-wing design and sophisticated systems drove expenses sky-high. Operating costs run roughly $135,000 to $150,000 per flight hour, largely due to specialized radar-absorbent coatings that require meticulous maintenance.

2. Only 20 Operational Aircraft Remain

The Air Force operates a tiny fleet of about 20 B-2s, all based at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri under Air Force Global Strike Command. One aircraft was retired following damage in a 2022 landing accident, reducing the inventory from 21. Plans call for eventual retirement once sufficient B-21........

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