B-2 Stealth Bomber Buildup at Diego Garcia Signals Potential Expansion of US Operations Against Houthis
The U.S. military is sending a large number of B-2 Spirit stealth bombers and support aircraft to its base in Diego Garcia, a remote island base in the Indian Ocean. The movement comes as U.S. airstrikes against Yemen’s Houthis continue.
Recent reports from open-source intelligence revealed that at least seven B-2 bombers from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri have already arrived at the Air Force Air Base in Diego Garcia. At least seven C-17 cargo planes and up to 18 KC-135 refueling tankers have also been seen moving to the air base.
Analysts suggest that the bombers’ presence on Diego Garcia positions them strategically for long-range operations targeting Iran or Yemen.
Audio from air traffic control in Australia earlier today confirmed that three B-2s, using the callsigns Pitch 11, Pitch 14, and another unnamed aircraft, were flying west after refueling over Australia. More bombers, using the callsign “Abba,” also departed Whiteman later in the day.
One B-2, Pitch 13, landed in Hawaii yesterday after declaring an emergency in flight. Emergency vehicles met the bomber on the runway. The cause of the emergency was not disclosed.
Air Force Global Strike Command said in a statement that U.S. Strategic Command regularly conducts global operations but it did not give details due to operational security.
The U.S. has been targeting Houthi positions in Yemen since late 2023, with operations intensifying after President Donald Trump resumed office. According to Houthi officials, U.S. airstrikes in Yemen last week resulted in at least 53 deaths. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the strikes will continue until the Houthis stop targeting shipping in the Red Sea.
