New images reveal U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit bombers with unusual white squares on their wings. The stealth jets are flying long-range missions to Iran, and the new features have sparked questions.
The U.S. Air Force has released images of B-2 Spirit bombers preparing for a mission to Iran. The photos show two aircraft with strange white rectangles on their leading wing edges.
The images came from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) . They show the stealth bombers at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri on March 17, 2026. The jets were about to launch on another long-range strike.
The white squares have black borders and appear on both the upper and lower wing edges. They look like sealed panels. Such markings are rare on combat missions, and their purpose is unclear.
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The B-2 is a stealth bomber that relies on a special coating to avoid radar. Adding visible squares could hurt its stealth. Experts suggest the panels might hide new sensors or electronic warfare gear.
Another idea is that the squares are part of a new coating upgrade. The B-2’s radar-absorbent material is costly to maintain. The Air Force is constantly improving it, sometimes changing the jet’s appearance.
The photos also show a nose gear door with 15 bomb markings. It is likely a record of combat missions, not individual bombs dropped. The exact meaning remains unknown.
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The new features highlight how the B-2 remains a secretive and valuable asset. Even as the newer B-21 Raider prepares to take over, the B-2 continues to fly critical missions with capabilities that remain unclear.
