The GBU-57/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) is a 30,000-pound, GPS-guided bomb. It has emerged as an essential tool for the United States military in addressing the threats of Iran’s nuclear advancements. This munition has a warhead that weighs 5,740 lbs. It’s purpose-built to go deep beneath the surface, which makes it especially lethal to hardened targets such as bunkers and tunnels. Currently, the GBU-57/B can only be employed from the US Air Force’s fleet of B-2 bombers. These bombers are uniquely suited to this operation.
Tensions continue to grow as Iran engages in nuclear escalation. The GBU-57/B MOP is receiving most of the buzz, in large part due to its ability to target critical facilities like Fordow, as it can penetrate approximately 20 meters underground. The weapon’s brilliance is fully evident in its scarcity. This last feature is its greatest strength, for only the US military can deliver it. Israel‘s ambassador to the United States has noted that the MOP is essential for targeting Iran’s deeply buried nuclear sites, stating, “For Fordow to be taken out by a bomb from the sky, the only country in the world that has that bomb is the United States.”
The GBU-57/B MOP, purposefully built with advanced design features, is most frequently referred to as a “bunker buster.” The warhead case is formed from a state-of-the-art maraging steel alloy. This unique construction gives it the flexibility to handle abrupt shocks as it digs into the earth. This intentional design means the munition can deliver a massive explosive force to effectively destroy reinforced structures.
The US Air Force will continue to be the only service able to deploy this capable new advanced weapon. The strategic importance of the Middle East cannot be undersold. If other countries were to conduct these attacks, there are lots of reports recently about how Israel has focused on key Iranian nuclear facilities like Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow. The degree of harm done to these locations is unknown, mainly because of their burial depths.
According to experts, it would take several repeated strikes with the MOP to achieve success. They caution, no assurances can be made about completely neutralizing these underground installations. Cedric Leighton, a defense analyst, remarked, “I would bank on repeated strikes against Fordow,” highlighting the complexities involved in ensuring total destruction of such hardened targets.
Beyond military strategy, the deployment of the GBU-57/B MOP has significant geopolitical implications. Things are heating up, and anger is dangerously inflamed. Nations, including our adversaries, are observing Iran’s dangerous advances towards a nuclear weapon and furtively judging how America deals with this growing catastrophe. Ali Vaez, an expert on Iranian affairs, noted that “the whole (nuclear) supply chain has been disrupted,” indicating significant repercussions from ongoing military and diplomatic maneuvers.
