Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, the United States has launched attacks on Iran's nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. These attacks employed the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bomb, commonly known as the bunker buster. It's among the most powerful non-nuclear weapons in the world, designed to obliterate underground targets. Let's explore the unique features of this bomb, its use on Iran's nuclear facilities, and its subsequent effects.
What is the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator?
The GBU-57 MOP is an enormous and highly potent bomb developed by the United States in conjunction with Boeing. It's specifically crafted to destroy targets entrenched deep underground, like nuclear facilities or military command centers. This bomb is capable of penetrating 200 feet of soil or 60 feet of concrete.
Also Read: Discover the B-2 Stealth Bomber: The Aircraft that Carried America’s Siege on Iranian Nuclear Sites
Technical Specifications of the GBU-57
Weight: Approximately 30,000 pounds (13,600 kilograms).
Length: 20.5 feet (about 6.25 meters).
Explosive Content: Contains 5,300 pounds (2,400 kilograms) of explosives.
Guidance System: GPS-based precise guidance allows for accurate target strikes.
Delivery Aircraft: Only the B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber can carry this immense bomb. A single B-2 can transport two GBU-57 bombs.
Purpose: To destroy deep bunkers, tunnels, and reinforced concrete structures.
Renowned for its devastating power, it’s also referred to as the “mountain crusher.” Its primary aim is to obliterate targets unreachable by conventional bombs or missiles.
Also Read: Missile from the Atmosphere - Did Iran's Cluster Bombs Devastate Israel?
Iran's Nuclear Facilities and Use of the GBU-57
For Israel and the U.S., Iran's nuclear program has long posed a concern. Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, Iran's key nuclear sites, are closely scrutinized worldwide. Of these, Fordow presents the greatest challenge due to its 80-meter depth under mountains. Normal bombs can't dismantle such a fortified site, hence the U.S. employed the GBU-57 MOP.
Source: aajtak
About Fordow Nuclear Site
Location: Near Qom city, about 100 kilometers from Tehran, Iran’s capital.
Features: This site is constructed under mountains with thick layers of rock and concrete, making destruction extremely challenging.
Significance: Fordow engages in uranium enrichment, vital for nuclear weapon production.
Natanz and Isfahan
Natanz:
Iran’s largest uranium enrichment center; although not as deeply fortified as Fordow, it still enjoys reinforced protection.
Isfahan:
Facilitates conversion of uranium into nuclear fuel, also of significant military importance.
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On June 22, 2025, using B-2 Stealth Bombers, the U.S. attacked these sites with GBU-57 MOP bombs. Each site received two GBU-57 bombs, totaling six bombs. The operation aimed to compromise Iran's nuclear weapon production capabilities.
Why Was the Use of GBU-57 Necessary?
Iran's nuclear sites, particularly Fordow, are so deep and resilient that ordinary bombs or missiles can't destroy them. The GBU-57 MOP was chosen because...
Source: aajtak
Penetration Capability: This bomb can pierce through 60 feet of concrete or 200 feet of soil, crucial for sites like Fordow.
Precision: Its GPS guidance ensures accurate strikes, minimizing collateral damage.
Destructive Power: With 2,400 kilograms of explosives, it can fully demolish deep bunkers.
B-2 Bomber’s Stealth Technology: The B-2's stealth renders it nearly invisible to radar, evading Iran’s air defense systems.
How Were the Attacks Conducted?
The U.S. dispatched B-2 Spirit Stealth Bombers from their Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean. These bombers reached Iran in 4-5 hours. Each B-2 carried two GBU-57 bombs, targeting the sites carefully as follows...
Flight:
Operating at 50,000 feet, B-2 Bombers flew beyond the reach of Iranian radar and missiles.
Initiating the Attack:
Using GPS guidance, bombs precisely struck the targets.
Return:
Post-attack, the B-2 bombers safely returned to Diego Garcia.
Also Read: Does Israel Lack Weaponry? Discover the Weapons and Missiles It Manufactures, and Iran’s Arsenal
U.S. President Donald Trump announced these strikes, reporting the safe return of all aircraft. He emphasized the setback inflicted on Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Impact of the Attacks
Impact on the Nuclear Program
Fordow:
Experts suggest the GBU-57 damaged Fordow's infrastructure but completely destroying it remains challenging. Some centrifuges—machines for uranium enrichment—were impacted, but the facility wasn’t entirely obliterated.
Natanz and Isfahan:
These sites, being less fortified than Fordow, sustained greater damage.
Source: aajtak
Regional Tensions
The assaults have escalated the Iran-Israel conflict, with Iran threatening retaliatory strikes, possibly through proxy groups like Hezbollah and Houthis. The Middle East faces increased tension, with fears of a regional war looming.
Global Reactions:
While Russia and China criticized the attacks, Israel supported them. The United Nations and other nations have urged for regional peace.
Can the GBU-57 Completely Destroy Fordow?
Many experts argue that while the GBU-57 MOP is immensely powerful, eradicating Fordow entirely poses significant challenges. The reasons are...
Fordow's depth of 80 meters and its layers of thick rock afford it additional protection.
One attack might not suffice. Multiple assaults or nuclear weapons may be necessary.
The B61-12 tactical nuclear bomb could be an option, but its use might spark global nuclear conflict.
