Latest news with #Ohio-class
Business Insider
10 hours ago
- Business
- Business Insider
The US military struck Iran with some of its most elusive weapons: stealth bombers and a hidden submarine
The US military relied on two of its most elusive and secretive combat platforms to carry out strikes on Iran's top nuclear facilities, a top general revealed Sunday. Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said on Sunday that seven US Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bombers dropped 14 heavy bunker-buster bombs on the facilities as part of a secret, highly complex operation the previous night. The flying-wing B-2, built by US aerospace company Northrop Grumman, features a unique low-observable stealth design that gives it the ability to penetrate enemy airspace heavily defended by surface-to-air missiles without being spotted. Caine told reporters that a US Navy guided-missile submarine also launched more than two dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles from an undisclosed location in the Middle East at Iranian targets. Caine didn't specify what type of submarine was involved in the mission against Iran. The Pentagon declined to disclose the name of the submarine that participated in the operation, and the Navy referred Business Insider to the White House, which did not immediately respond. Guided-missile submarine generally refers to the Navy's Ohio-class SSGNs, which can carry more than 150 BGM-109 Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles, subsonic jet-powered munitions that can be launched from the sea to strike targets over 1,000 miles away. General Dynamics Electric Boat builds the Navy's Ohio-class submarines. These stealthy undersea assets are made with streamlined hulls and quiet propulsion systems, among other technologies, for evading detection. The Ohios, however, are not the only US subs capable of launching Tomahawk missiles. The US military does not typically disclose details of its secretive missile subs, except when it is trying to send a message to adversaries and signal deterrence. President Donald Trump announced Saturday that the US had bombed the Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear facilities in what he said was a "spectacular military success" that "completely and totally obliterated" Iran's key enrichment facilities. Beyond the B-2s and the lone submarine, Caine said the operation, called Midnight Hammer, also involved dozens of fighter jets and aerial refueling tankers. He said US forces used 75 precision-guided weapons against Iranian targets. The B-2s dropped 14 bunker-buster bombs — specifically, the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, or MOP, developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory in partnership with Boeing. The big 15-ton weapon is the US military's largest non-nuclear bomb and is regarded as the bomb best suited for hitting Iran's more protected nuclear facilities. The B-2 is the only operational aircraft that can carry the heavy MOP, though the new B-21 Raider will be able to as well. The Spirit can carry two of these munitions. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said the strikes "devastated the Iranian nuclear program." The operation comes as Israeli forces have pounded Iran with relentless strikes over the past 10 days, with fighter jets targeting the country's nuclear program and military capabilities, including air defenses and missile launchers. Tehran has retaliated by launching hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel. Trump, over the past few days, had been weighing whether to join Israel in its bombing campaign. His administration has been tied up in efforts to reach a new nuclear deal with Iran, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has preferred a military approach. He later praised Trump for the US strikes. The US involvement is an escalation in the conflict that could see Iran retaliate against US forces in the Middle East. The Pentagon has a large presence across the region, including warships, aircraft carriers, fighter jets, and ground troops that it says is intended to protect US interests. The president and Pentagon leadership is urging Iran to pursue peace and threatening continued attacks if they do not. It remains to be seen how Iran responds.
Business Insider
13 hours ago
- Business
- Business Insider
The US military struck Iran with some of its most elusive weapons — stealth bombers and a hidden submarine
The US military relied on two of its most elusive and secretive combat platforms to carry out strikes on Iran's top nuclear facilities, a top general revealed Sunday. Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said on Sunday that seven US Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bombers dropped 14 heavy bunker-buster bombs on the facilities as part of a secret, highly complex operation the previous night. The flying-wing B-2, built by US aerospace company Northrop Grumman, features a unique low-observable stealth design that gives it the ability to penetrate enemy airspace heavily defended by surface-to-air missiles without being spotted. Caine told reporters that a US Navy guided-missile submarine also launched more than two dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles from an undisclosed location in the Middle East at Iranian targets. Caine didn't specify what type of submarine was involved in the mission against Iran. The Pentagon declined to disclose the name of the submarine that participated in the operation, and the Navy referred Business Insider to the White House, which did not immediately respond. Guided-missile submarine generally refers to the Navy's Ohio-class SSGNs, which can carry more than 150 BGM-109 Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles, subsonic jet-powered munitions that can be launched from the sea to strike targets over 1,000 miles away. General Dynamics Electric Boat builds the Navy's Ohio-class submarines. These stealthy undersea assets are made with streamlined hulls and quiet propulsion systems, among other technologies, for evading detection. The Ohios, however, are not the only US subs capable of launching Tomahawk missiles. The US military does not typically disclose details of its secretive missile subs, except when it is trying to send a message to adversaries and signal deterrence. President Donald Trump announced Saturday that the US had bombed the Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear facilities in what he said was a "spectacular military success" that "completely and totally obliterated" Iran's key enrichment facilities. Beyond the B-2s and the lone submarine, Caine said the operation, called Midnight Hammer, also involved dozens of fighter jets and aerial refueling tankers. He said US forces used 75 precision-guided weapons against Iranian targets. The B-2s dropped 14 bunker-buster bombs — specifically, the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, or MOP, developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory in partnership with Boeing. The big 15-ton weapon is the US military's largest non-nuclear bomb and is regarded as the bomb best suited for hitting Iran's more protected nuclear facilities. The B-2 is the only operational aircraft that can carry the heavy MOP, though the new B-21 Raider will be able to as well. The Spirit can carry two of these munitions. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said the strikes "devastated the Iranian nuclear program." The operation comes as Israeli forces have pounded Iran with relentless strikes over the past 10 days, with fighter jets targeting the country's nuclear program and military capabilities, including air defenses and missile launchers. Tehran has retaliated by launching hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel. Trump, over the past few days, had been weighing whether to join Israel in its bombing campaign. His administration has been tied up in efforts to reach a new nuclear deal with Iran, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has preferred a military approach. He later praised Trump for the US strikes. The US involvement is an escalation in the conflict that could see Iran retaliate against US forces in the Middle East. The Pentagon has a large presence across the region, including warships, aircraft carriers, fighter jets, and ground troops that it says is intended to protect US interests. The president and Pentagon leadership is urging Iran to pursue peace and threatening continued attacks if they do not. It remains to be seen how Iran responds.
Newsweek
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
US Reveals Movements of Navy's Nuclear-Armed Submarines
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United States has disclosed the movements of its submarines—armed with nuclear missiles—for the second time this month, demonstrating its deterrent capability. The Submarine Group Ten, which oversees operations of the Atlantic ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) fleet, told Newsweek that it could not discuss submarine schedules or deployments because of operational security concerns. The unit is assigned with six SSBNs. Why It Matters The U.S. Navy operates a fleet of 14 nuclear-powered Ohio-class SSBNs, each capable of carrying up to 20 ballistic missiles. Eight of these submarines are based at Bangor, Washington, while the remaining six are homeported at Kings Bay, Georgia. The SSBN fleet forms part of the U.S.'s "nuclear triad," alongside strategic bombers and land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles to deter adversaries. The U.S. Navy rarely publicizes SSBN operations as the submarines are designed for deterrent patrols and launching missiles if necessary. One of the SSBNs, USS Kentucky, conducted an escort drill with helicopters in the Pacific, the Navy said on May 2. What To Know In a set of undated photos shared by the Submarine Group Ten on Facebook on May 15, USS West Virginia was seen making final preparations to depart its home port—Kings Bay—for "routine operations" in support of the country's strategic mission. The submarine was operated by its "Blue crew," one of two crew teams that alternate manning it. This two-crew system maximizes the SSBN's availability and reduces the number of submarines needed to meet strategic requirements, according to the U.S. Navy. This marked the second publicized departure of the West Virginia in more than two months. The submarine—manned by its "Gold crew"—was seen preparing to depart on March 12 for a strategic mission, according to photos released by the Submarine Group Ten. Meanwhile, USS Tennessee, another SSBN assigned to the Submarine Group Ten, was seen exiting a dry dock at Kings Bay following "months of hard work" of maintenance, according to an undated short video released on the unit's Facebook page on Monday. The Submarine Group Ten told Newsweek that its mission is to deliver "combat ready forces" by ensuring its submarines "are properly manned, trained, equipped and certified to conduct decisive combat operations around the world." On the West Coast, the Submarine Group Nine announced that USS Henry M. Jackson, one of eight SSBNs assigned to the unit, returned to its home port at Bangor on May 15 following a routine strategic deterrent patrol, according to photos released on Thursday. Strategic deterrence relies on a safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent force, said the Pacific Northwest-based unit, which oversees submarine operations in the region. The United States Navy ballistic missile submarine USS Henry M. Jackson arriving at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor in Washington following a routine strategic deterrent patrol on May 15. The United States Navy ballistic missile submarine USS Henry M. Jackson arriving at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor in Washington following a routine strategic deterrent patrol on May 15. Lt. Zachary Anderson/U.S. Navy What People Are Saying The U.S. Submarine Group Ten wrote on Facebook: "This is a testament to [Team Kings Bay's] commitment to keeping our fleet ready and capable. This Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine [USS Tennessee] is one step closer to resuming its vital role in our nation's strategic deterrence mission." The U.S. Submarine Group Nine said on its webpage: "Ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) serve as an undetectable launch platform for intercontinental ballistic missiles. They are considered the survivable leg of the strategic deterrent triad, the others being long-range manned aircraft and land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether the U.S. SSBN fleet will conduct any test launches of its submarine-launched ballistic missiles, which can deliver nuclear warheads to targets more than 7,400 miles away, according to the Federation of American Scientists.
Miami Herald
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
US Reveals Nuclear Submarine in China's Backyard
The United States has deployed a nuclear-powered submarine, armed with over 100 long-range missiles, to the Western Pacific Ocean amid China's rapid naval fleet expansion. The deployment of USS Ohio, a guided-missile submarine, reflected America's commitment to the Indo-Pacific region, the U.S. Submarine Group Seven, which commands submarines deployed in the Western Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Arabian Sea, told Newsweek. Newsweek has also reached out to the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment by email. Photos released by the U.S. Submarine Group Seven on Tuesday show the Ohio arrived at Naval Base Guam on April 23. The island of Guam is home to several U.S. military bases, serving as a major staging area to project America's power against China, which is 1,800 miles away. Under a U.S. containment strategy, Guam is part of the Second Island Chain, which aims to restrict China's naval access to the Pacific Ocean by leveraging U.S.-aligned territories. The Ohio is one of four U.S. Navy Ohio-class guided-missile submarines, along with USS Michigan, USS Florida, and USS Georgia. These submarines were converted from nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarines to carry conventional Tomahawk cruise missiles. Each of these submarines can be armed with up to 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, capable of hitting land targets precisely from 1,000 miles away. They are also designed to support special operation missions by accommodating up to 66 personnel and their equipment. The Chinese navy-the largest in the world by hull count, with over 370 vessels, including 12 nuclear-powered submarines and 48 diesel-electric-powered submarines-has highly prioritized modernizing its submarine force, the Pentagon said in a report. The missile-armed submarine, which is homeported in Bangor, Washington, was conducting what it called "routine operations" in the U.S. Seventh Fleet, according to a photo caption. The Fleet's area of operations covers both the Western Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean. The submarine was still in Guam as of May 6, when it conducted an exercise with the U.S. Marine Corps at the base. The drill was part of ongoing efforts to provide "flexible, forward-postured, and quick-response options" to regional commanders, another photo caption read. The Ohio and its sister ships provide "unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities" from a stealth, clandestine platform, the U.S. Submarine Group Seven said in response to a Newsweek inquiry, adding that they are ready to operate globally at any time. According to ship spotters, the Ohio left its homeport in late February for a westward voyage to Hawaii. It set sail again in early April, departing from Pearl Harbor en route to Guam. This marked the third deployment of an Ohio-class guided-missile submarine to the Western Pacific Ocean in less than a year. The Florida and the Michigan made port calls in Guam in early July and early November in 2024, respectively, Newsweek previously reported. While the Michigan shares its homeport with the Ohio, the Florida and the Georgia are based out of Kings Bay in Georgia. A satellite image captured in mid-April appears to show the Georgia docked at the island of Diego Garcia, a remote U.S. base in the Indian Ocean. The U.S. Navy said: "The [guided-missile submarine] is a key element of the Navy's future fighting force. With its tremendous payload capacity, dual crew deployment concept, and inherent stealth, each [guided-missile submarine] brings mission flexibility and enhanced capabilities to the warfighter." The U.S. Submarine Group Seven said: "Submarine Group [Seven] will advance the interests of the United States and the security of prosperity of the region by effectively employing forward deployed, combat capable forces across the full spectrum of undersea warfare. We will endeavor to prevent conflict but remain prepared to win decisively." It remains to be seen whether the Ohio will continue its deployment in the Western Pacific Ocean or transit toward the Middle East to supplement American naval forces in the region. Related Articles Iran Reacts to Trump Speech: 'Pure Deception'Ukraine Crisis Could Spark 'Direct' Russia-US Confrontation-NORAD CommanderWho Is Syria's Ahmed al-Sharaa Who Met Trump?Photos Show Allied Jets Escorting US Bombers in New Frontline Drills 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
US Reveals Nuclear Submarine in China's Backyard
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United States has deployed a nuclear-powered submarine, armed with over 100 long-range missiles, to the Western Pacific Ocean amid China's rapid naval fleet expansion. The deployment of USS Ohio, a guided-missile submarine, reflected America's commitment to the Indo-Pacific region, the U.S. Submarine Group Seven, which commands submarines deployed in the Western Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Arabian Sea, told Newsweek. Newsweek has also reached out to the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment by email. Why It Matters Photos released by the U.S. Submarine Group Seven on Tuesday show the Ohio arrived at Naval Base Guam on April 23. The island of Guam is home to several U.S. military bases, serving as a major staging area to project America's power against China, which is 1,800 miles away. Under a U.S. containment strategy, Guam is part of the Second Island Chain, which aims to restrict China's naval access to the Pacific Ocean by leveraging U.S.-aligned territories. The United States guided-missile submarine USS Ohio arrives at Naval Base Guam on April 23, 2025. The United States guided-missile submarine USS Ohio arrives at Naval Base Guam on April 23, 2025. Lt. James Caliva/U.S. Navy What To Know The Ohio is one of four U.S. Navy Ohio-class guided-missile submarines, along with USS Michigan, USS Florida, and USS Georgia. These submarines were converted from nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarines to carry conventional Tomahawk cruise missiles. Each of these submarines can be armed with up to 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, capable of hitting land targets precisely from 1,000 miles away. They are also designed to support special operation missions by accommodating up to 66 personnel and their equipment. The Chinese navy—the largest in the world by hull count, with over 370 vessels, including 12 nuclear-powered submarines and 48 diesel-electric-powered submarines—has highly prioritized modernizing its submarine force, the Pentagon said in a report. The missile-armed submarine, which is homeported in Bangor, Washington, was conducting what it called "routine operations" in the U.S. Seventh Fleet, according to a photo caption. The Fleet's area of operations covers both the Western Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean. The submarine was still in Guam as of May 6, when it conducted an exercise with the U.S. Marine Corps at the base. The drill was part of ongoing efforts to provide "flexible, forward-postured, and quick-response options" to regional commanders, another photo caption read. United States marines conduct an exercise aboard the guided-missile submarine USS Ohio at Naval Base Guam on May 6, 2025. United States marines conduct an exercise aboard the guided-missile submarine USS Ohio at Naval Base Guam on May 6, 2025. Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Henry Sohl/U.S. Navy The Ohio and its sister ships provide "unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities" from a stealth, clandestine platform, the U.S. Submarine Group Seven said in response to a Newsweek inquiry, adding that they are ready to operate globally at any time. According to ship spotters, the Ohio left its homeport in late February for a westward voyage to Hawaii. It set sail again in early April, departing from Pearl Harbor en route to Guam. This marked the third deployment of an Ohio-class guided-missile submarine to the Western Pacific Ocean in less than a year. The Florida and the Michigan made port calls in Guam in early July and early November in 2024, respectively, Newsweek previously reported. While the Michigan shares its homeport with the Ohio, the Florida and the Georgia are based out of Kings Bay in Georgia. A satellite image captured in mid-April appears to show the Georgia docked at the island of Diego Garcia, a remote U.S. base in the Indian Ocean. 🇺🇸NSF Diego Garcia🇺🇸 ho hum... 6x KC-135, 6x B-2 Spirit Stealth Bombers More interesting though is the Ohio Class sub alongside at the bravo wharf - likely USS Georgia (SSGN 729) 📷 src: @SkyfiApp | @Satellogic 19 April 2025@Schizointel — MT Anderson (@MT_Anderson) April 28, 2025 What People Are Saying The U.S. Navy said: "The [guided-missile submarine] is a key element of the Navy's future fighting force. With its tremendous payload capacity, dual crew deployment concept, and inherent stealth, each [guided-missile submarine] brings mission flexibility and enhanced capabilities to the warfighter." The U.S. Submarine Group Seven said: "Submarine Group [Seven] will advance the interests of the United States and the security of prosperity of the region by effectively employing forward deployed, combat capable forces across the full spectrum of undersea warfare. We will endeavor to prevent conflict but remain prepared to win decisively." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether the Ohio will continue its deployment in the Western Pacific Ocean or transit toward the Middle East to supplement American naval forces in the region.
