Whiteman B-2 bombers strike Iran as Congress invests in base's future

Driving the news: U.S. Central Command confirmed B-2 stealth bombers were among the aircraft used in recent strikes on Iran, with Air Force Gen. Dan Caine saying the bombers flew a 37-hour round-trip mission from the continental United States to hit hardened targets.

Follow the money: In January, the Senate passed a government funding bill that includes $1.92 billion for the B-21 Raider, which Sen. Eric Schmitt's office says will be based at Whiteman.

• Schmitt's office says the bill includes a 3.8% pay raise for service members and additional defense investments in Missouri.
• The Air Force has said the B-21 is intended to replace aging bombers, including the B-2, over time.

What they're saying: "The B-21 is foundational to our long-range strike capability," Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said in a Feb. 23 release announcing a 25% increase in production capacity for the bomber.

Flashback: Last year, seven Whiteman-based B-2s led a strike on Iranian nuclear sites, flying about 37 hours round-trip with midair refueling support.

• U.S. officials said at the time the aircraft dropped 30,000-pound Massive Ordnance Penetrators, bunker-buster bombs that only the B-2 is equipped to carry.

What's next: The first operational B-21 is expected in 2027 and a gradual replacement of older bombers is planned in the years that follow.