The United States nuclear-capable bomber fleet saw its capabilities bolstered when a B-2 stealth aircraft—the same type used to strike Iran in June—that was significantly damaged in an incident four years ago returned to flight duties last month after repairs.

The U.S. Air Force said the return of the aircraft, the Spirit of Georgia , is essential to maintaining readiness, as greater B-2 stealth bomber capacity provides additional strategic and lethal deterrence options for the national command authority.

Why It Matters

The B-2 is one of two U.S. bombers capable of delivering nuclear strikes—along with the non-stealth B-52H—and serves as the air component of the country's nuclear triad , providing what the Pentagon describes as "continuous deterrence" against adversaries.

Unlike

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