What to know about bunker bombs, US strike on Iran’s Fordow
A B-2 bomber drops a GBU-57 bomb during a test. PHOTO: United States Air Force via twz.com
The United States deployed one of its most advanced weapons platforms, the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, to deliver GBU-57A/B “bunker-buster” bombs on Iran’s fortified Fordow nuclear site, marking a turning point in the escalating conflict involving Israel, Iran and now Washington.
Three Iranian nuclear sites — Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan — were struck using the US Air Force's B-2 Spirit stealth bombers.
How the GBU-57 bunker buster works.
The GBU-57 bunker-buster bomb was used on the Fordow nuclear site.#Donald_Trump #WorldWar3 #nuclear #USAirForce #IsraeliranWar pic.twitter.com/2QvY6BX2wFThe Fordow facility, dug deep into a mountain near the city of Qom, had until now withstood Israel’s weeklong aerial bombardment.
Read: Iran strikes signal Trump’s most perilous foreign policy decision
But early Sunday, six Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs)—each weighing 30,000 pounds—were dropped by US B-2 aircraft, according to sources briefed on the mission.
Tehran has held Washington fully responsible for what it called a “heinous crime” following US strikes on its nuclear sites, warning of serious consequences.
Iran accused the US and Israel of jointly waging war against its people and said the attack violated the UN Charter and Resolution 2231.
Read more: Tehran vows self-defence with 'all force' after US strikes three nuclear installations
Vowing to defend its sovereignty by all means, Iran warned that silence from the international community would lead to global chaos.
The B-2 Spirit, a two-person long-range strategic bomber developed by Northrop Grumman, is a centrepiece of American airpower. Costing over $2.1 billion apiece, only 21 were built.
The aircraft’s range exceeds 6,000 nautical miles (11,100 km) without refuelling, giving it global reach from continental US bases.
Also Read: World reacts to US bombing of Iran
With mid-air refuelling, it can hit any target on the planet—a capability demonstrated in past operations in Afghanistan, Libya, and now Iran.
Equipped with radar-absorbing materials and a sleek, angular design, the B-2’s radar signature is so low that it reportedly appears no larger than a bird on enemy radars.
This stealth profile allowed it to penetrate Iran’s sophisticated air defence network undetected.
Designed to carry both nuclear and conventional payloads, the B-2's internal bays can hold over 40,000 pounds (18,000 kg) of ordnance without compromising its stealth.
In the Fordow operation, the bombers carried GBU-57A/B bombs, engineered to penetrate over 200 feet of reinforced concrete.
Fordow, built under more than 80 metres of rock, was considered one of the most impregnable sites in Iran's nuclear infrastructure.
In addition to bunker-busters, the B-2 can carry Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) for precision strikes, Joint Standoff Weapons (JSOWs) for glide bomb attacks beyond air defence range, and JASSM-ER missiles capable of hitting targets more than 500 miles away.
It can also be loaded with up to 16 B83 nuclear bombs, making it a key component of the US nuclear triad.