Moment 7 US stealth bombers call Spain air traffic control on way back from bombing Iran | World | News
Fascinating audio from seven of America’s B-2 stealth bombers has been captured as they called Spain’s air traffic control on their way back from bombing Iran. The warplanes were en route back to their US bases after participating in the strikes in the Middle East last Sunday when they made a surprise call to Sevilla Air Traffic Control.
The exchange, captured in audio and shared on social media, occurred over the Strait of Gibraltar, a critical chokepoint for both military and commercial aviation, as well as maritime traffic after the planes refueled over the Mediterranean Sea. This narrow waterway, connecting the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, is a vital passage for ships and aircraft.
Two flights were involved: BATT 11, consisting of four B-2s heading to Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, and BATT 21, with three B-2s whose destination was not specified.
“BATT 11, just a question – can you spell your call sign please?” the Sevilla controller asked. He then followed up by asking: “What is your landing destination?”
“Please confirm how many aircraft are in formation?” a second controller asks BATT 21.
“Yes sir, a flight of three,” the US stealth bomber captain replies.
As the bombers returned, their communication with Sevilla ATC was marked by the pilots’ confirmation of their callsigns and intentions, a procedural necessity that also served as a public acknowledgment of their recent activities.
The B-2 bombers flew more than 18 hours each way to target Iran’s Fordow nuclear plant, taking off from Whiteman Air Force Base near Kansas City on Friday.
It comes after Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares called for an arms embargo on Israel and urged the resumption of diplomatic negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.
Speaking to Bloomberg TV, Mr Albares stressed the EU’s responsibility in light of its strong economic ties with Israel.
“The European Union is Israel’s largest trading partner in the world. We must impose an arms embargo, not sell weapons to Israel while this war continues,” he said, Spanish daily El Pais reported.
