Recently, Israel launched strikes against Iran resulting in over 200 casualties, including top officials. This was in response to Iran's alleged nuclear ambitions, which Iran denies. The focus has now shifted to the Fordow nuclear plant in Iran, with reports suggesting that the only weapon capable of destroying it is the US GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, also known as a bunker-buster bomb.

What is a bunker-buster bomb?

The GBU-57 is designed to target heavily fortified and deeply buried structures like bunkers and tunnels. The GPS-guided bomb can penetrate up to 61m underground before detonating. It measures about 6.2m in length and weighs around 13,600kg. The warhead contains 2,400kg of explosives, including AFX-757 and PBXN-114 types, housed in a special high-performance steel alloy case that allows for a large explosive payload.

Currently, the GBU-57 is exclusively owned by the United States.