The United States Air Force currently has 19 B-2 Spirit stealth bombers in service. Originally, the plan was to build 132 B-2s, but after Cold War budget cuts and other factors, production was reduced drastically, and only 21 were built initially. Since then, two bombers were lost in accidents, leaving the fleet at 19 operational aircraft as of 2025. These bombers are highly advanced and expensive, each costing over $2 billion, and are based primarily at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. The B-2 bomber remains a vital asset due to its stealth capabilities and is used for complex missions, including recent strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Despite their effectiveness, the small number limits the Air Force's capacity for large-scale or multiple concurrent operations.
