What to Know about Bunker-Buster Bombs, Iran Fordo Nuke Facility/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The GBU-57 “bunker-buster” bomb, carried by B‑2 stealth bombers, may be the only way to destroy Iran’s deeply buried Fordo nuclear fuel enrichment site. Built into a mountain, Fordo lies 80 meters underground and could pose contamination risks if struck. Israeli defenses are reportedly crippled, but U.S. involvement remains uncertain.
Fordo & Bunker-Buster Quick Looks
- What is it?: GBU‑57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, a 30,000‑lb bomb capable of penetrating ~200 ft underground.
- Target: Fordo, Iran’s mountain-embedded uranium enrichment plant, near Qom.
- Delivery: Only U.S. B‑2 Spirit stealth bombers can carry the GBU‑57.
- Controversial: Use risks nuclear contamination and ends any chance of diplomacy.
- Alternatives: Israel may consider ground raid or tactical bombing, not requiring U.S. airpower.
Deep Look
1. What Are Bunker-Buster Bombs?
Bunker-buster bombs are designed to penetrate hardened underground facilities before exploding. The GBU‑57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) weighs approximately 30,000 pounds and uses precision targeting to destroy deeply buried tunnels and bunkers.
According to the U.S. Air Force, the MOP can reach depths of about 200 feet underground. Multiple bombs can be dropped in succession to progressively destroy successive layers.
2. Fordo: A Tough, Secret Nuclear Site
The Fordo plant, Iran’s second uranium enrichment facility, is built into the side of a mountain near Qom, 60 miles southwest of Tehran. Operational since 2009, Fordo sits 80 meters (260 ft) beneath rock and soil and is reportedly shielded by Iranian and Russian anti-air systems.
According to the IAEA, Israeli strikes on Fordo’s centrifuge halls have already had significant impact. Israel’s ambassador to the U.S. has emphasized that destroying Fordo must be part of any final strike plan.
3. U.S. Military Role and B‑2 Bomber
The GBU‑57 can only be deployed by U.S. aircraft, specifically the B‑2 Spirit stealth bomber, which can carry two such bombs—totaling nearly 60,000 pounds.
The B‑2’s impressive range—7,000 miles unrefueled, or 11,500 miles with refueling—allows global reach, enabling missions from U.S. bases to deep targets like Fordo.
4. Nuclear Safety and Fallout Concerns
While the GBU‑57 uses a conventional warhead, targeting highly enriched uranium at Fordo could inadvertently spread nuclear material. The IAEA’s assessments of the Natanz strike showed contained contamination, but concern remains about Fordo’s underground and fortified structure.
5. Alternatives and Escalation Risks
Israel is reportedly exploring other strategies for disabling Fordo, including commando raids or precision missile strikes.
However, experts warn that deploying a bunker‑buster could end diplomatic opportunities—including Trump’s proposed nuclear talks—and significantly escalate regional tensions.
6. U.S. Calculus: Uncertain Involvement
President Trump has so far avoided public confirmation of U.S. military targeting of Fordo. When asked at the G7 summit, he responded, “I don’t want to talk about that.”
Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter confirmed that Israel has requested only defensive help, though he acknowledged contingency planning may involve non-air options: “Not everything… involves bombing from afar.”
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