BLUF: Bunker Busting

As tensions escalate between Israel and Iran, one question looms large: will the U.S. get directly involved? And if so, how? We’re sure you’ve been reading news stories all week about the different types of weapons that could be used in this strike, and we thought we might help break down the acronyms and numbers and tell you a bit about the ones being most talked about. 

The Bunker-Buster: If President Trump opts to join Israel in striking Iran, one key military option would be unleashing the GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator—also known as America’s most powerful "bunker-buster bomb."

This 30,000-pound weapon is engineered to destroy deeply buried targets like Iran’s Fordo Fuel Enrichment Plant, an underground site producing highly enriched uranium. The bomb can reportedly penetrate up to 200 feet of earth and concrete—possibly more if dropped in succession—making it one of America’s most viable options for destroying Iran’s fortified nuclear sites.

The B-2: Though any heavy bomber could theoretically deliver the GBU-57, the U.S. Air Force has configured its B-2 Spirit stealth bombers to carry two of these enormous bombs. Once dropped from a B-2, the bomb falls to its target, burying itself deep in the ground before detonating its payload and causing shockwaves that can destroy even some of the most fortified underground structures.

As Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter explained, Israel currently doesn't possess similar capabilities to fully render underground sites like Fordo inoperable. President Trump has given negotiations a two-week deadline before making a decision on U.S. involvement, at which time America’s next steps might become clearer.

If you are interesting in receiving our full newsletter every Thursday, subscribe here.