PENTAGON, WASHINGTON D.C. – The U.S. Department of Defense released jaw-dropping footage on Thursday, showcasing the formidable capabilities of 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs similar to those used in the historic strike on Iran’s nuclear sites. The video illustrates the destructive power of these weapons, designed to obliterate fortified underground targets.
Immediate Impact of the Bunker-Buster Bombs
The released footage features a GBU-57 series MOP (Massive Ordnance Penetrator) striking a target, resulting in a massive dust plume followed by a blinding inferno during a test detonation. Pilots involved in the Iran operation described the explosion as “the brightest” they had ever witnessed, with one pilot stating, “it literally looked like daylight.”
“Unlike a normal surface bomb, you won’t see an impact crater because they’re designed to deeply bury and then function,” explained Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, during a press briefing.
Key Details Emerge from the Pentagon Briefing
The briefing included multiple angles of the MOP in action, one of which depicted the bomb slicing through an arched interior of a ventilation shaft without detonating until it reached deeper into the test facility. This precision highlights the bomb’s advanced design and its ability to penetrate fortified structures.
“A bomb has three effects that cause damage: blast, fragmentation, and overpressure,” Caine explained. “In this case, the primary kill mechanisms in the mission space were a mix of overpressure and blast.”
By the Numbers: The Bunker-Buster Bombs
- 30,000 pounds: The weight of each GBU-57 MOP bomb.
- 6 bombs: Deployed at each vent of the Fordow uranium enrichment plant.
- 100 feet: The estimated penetration depth of these bombs into fortified structures.
Expert Analysis and Industry Response
Military analysts have praised the effectiveness of the MOP, noting its ability to neutralize heavily defended underground facilities. The bomb’s design allows it to bypass traditional defenses, making it a crucial tool in strategic military operations.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the importance of such technology in maintaining national security, stating, “These weapons ensure that we can reach and neutralize threats that are otherwise inaccessible.”
Background Context on the Iran Strike
The use of these bombs in the Iran strike marked a significant moment in military history, as the U.S. sought to dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities. This operation, known as “Operation Midnight Hammer,” involved B-2 bombers and was a pivotal move in curbing potential nuclear proliferation in the region.
“All six weapons at each vent at Fordow went exactly where they were intended to go,” Lt. Gen. Caine confirmed.
What Comes Next for Military Operations
The success of the bunker-buster bombs in recent operations has prompted discussions on their future applications. Military strategists are considering their potential use in other conflict zones where underground facilities pose a significant threat.
As the Pentagon continues to refine its arsenal, the focus remains on enhancing precision and minimizing collateral damage, ensuring that these powerful tools are used effectively and responsibly.
