The GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bomb, known as a “bunker buster,” was used in the US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, two sources familiar with the operation said.
Features of GBU-57A/B MOP Bomb
According to a fact sheet from the US Air Force, Weighing 30.000 pounds (about 13.607 kg) and containing 6.000 pounds (about 2.721 kg) of explosives The MOP bomb was specifically designed to "reach out and destroy our enemies' weapons of mass destruction located in well-defended facilities."
It is not yet certain how many MOP bombs were used in the attacks, but the use on Saturday is first known example used operationally It is stated that.
The Effectiveness of the MOP Bomb is Being Discussed
Even before Saturday's attacks, some U.S. officials had doubts about whether the MOP bomb could completely destroy Iran's nuclear infrastructure, especially where enrichment facilities are buried deep. While the MOP is believed to be the only munition capable of reaching deeply buried facilities, there were questions about whether a single munition could penetrate that deep.
US President Donald Trump said on social media on Saturday that the US had “completed our very successful strikes on three nuclear facilities in Iran, including Fordon, Natanz and Isfahan.”
The only aircraft capable of carrying MOP bombs belongs to the USA B-2 Spirit bombers.
