The United States recently launched airstrikes against Iran, targeting its nuclear facilities, including the heavily fortified Fordow fuel enrichment plant. This facility is located about 300 feet inside a mountain near Qom, approximately two hours south of Tehran. The U.S. used a powerful 15-ton bomb known as the GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator, designed specifically to penetrate deep underground targets.
The GBU-57A/B is the largest non-nuclear bomb in the U.S. arsenal and was developed by Boeing for the U.S. Air Force. Its weight limits its delivery to the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, a type of aircraft that Israel does not have. This exclusivity meant that only the U.S. could carry out this mission effectively.
John Spencer, a military expert at West Point, emphasized the bomb’s unique capabilities. It is engineered to penetrate deep into the ground before detonating, ensuring maximum damage to underground facilities. The bomb’s development cost exceeded $500 million, and only about 20 units have been made for the U.S. military.
The strikes came after escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, particularly following threats from former President Donald Trump regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Trump announced the attacks, stating they were a necessary step to ensure peace and security in the region.
In addition to the Fordow plant, the U.S. targeted two other nuclear sites in Iran. This military action caught many by surprise, especially considering the strategic planning involved in deploying the B-2 bombers for such a mission. The U.S. had previously conducted flights over the region, hinting at potential military action without confirming it until the strikes occurred.
While the U.S. has provided Israel with less powerful bunker buster bombs in the past, it has not shared the Massive Ordnance Penetrator with any allies. This decision underscores the bomb’s significance and the strategic control the U.S. maintains over its most advanced military technology.
As the situation develops, the international community watches closely, weighing the implications of these strikes on global security and diplomatic relations.