The recent military strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities by the United States, codenamed "Operation Midnight Hammer," have brought renewed attention to the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber and, consequently, to the story of Noshir Gowadia, the India-born engineer who played a crucial role in its development but later betrayed its secrets. The convergence of these events highlights the complexities of national security, technological innovation, and the enduring threat of espionage.
On June 22, 2025, B-2 stealth bombers were instrumental in delivering a significant blow to Iran's nuclear program. The operation, which involved multiple aircraft and support systems, targeted key uranium enrichment plants. This event has underscored the B-2's capabilities as one of the most advanced strategic bombers in the world, capable of evading radar detection and delivering massive payloads.
However, the B-2's success also indirectly spotlights the case of Noshir Gowadia, a brilliant aeronautical engineer of Indian origin. Born in Mumbai in 1944, Gowadia displayed exceptional intellectual abilities from a young age. He moved to the United States to pursue his higher education and eventually became a naturalized U.S. citizen. In 1970, he joined Northrop Corporation (now Northrop Grumman), where he became a key figure in developing the B-2 Spirit's stealth propulsion system. Gowadia's work was critical in minimizing the bomber's infrared and radar signatures, making it exceptionally difficult to detect. His contributions were so vital that he was internally codenamed "Blueberry Milkshake".
After leaving Northrop in 1986, Gowadia started his own defense consultancy. Facing financial difficulties, he sought clients abroad, which led him to China. Between 2003 and 2005, Gowadia made several trips to China, providing classified information on stealth propulsion systems. His assistance helped the Chinese develop a low-observable exhaust nozzle for their cruise missiles. In exchange, he was paid $110,000.
Gowadia's activities eventually caught the attention of U.S. authorities. In 2005, FBI agents raided his home in Hawaii, discovering a trove of classified materials. He was arrested and charged with espionage-related federal crimes. In 2010, after a lengthy trial, Gowadia was convicted on 14 of 17 charges, including espionage and violation of the Arms Export Control Act. He was sentenced to 32 years in prison.
The Gowadia case remains a stark reminder of the potential damage caused by insider threats. His betrayal not only compromised sensitive military technology but also potentially aided a foreign power in developing its own advanced weaponry. The recent imagery of a B-2 clone drone at a Chinese airbase further fuels these concerns, suggesting that the information Gowadia provided may have contributed to China's advancements in stealth technology.
As the U.S. confronts ongoing geopolitical tensions with Iran, the use of the B-2 bomber serves as a demonstration of American military might and technological superiority. Yet, the specter of Noshir Gowadia's espionage lingers, highlighting the constant need for vigilance and the protection of classified information in an era of rapidly evolving technological capabilities and international rivalries. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the weaponization of trust and the enduring consequences of betrayal, casting a shadow even as the B-2 continues to play a critical role in U.S. national security strategy.
