A Deep Dive into the Powerhouse: The Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) Bunker Buster
Potential game-changing explosive: GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP)
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If a military conflict arises between Israel and Iran, and President Donald Trump decides to intervene, the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) will be the weapon of choice. Known for its ability to demolish deep underground Iranian nuclear facilities that are out of reach for conventional attacks, this bunker-busting bomb is a game-changer in strategic warfare.
With a weight of 13 tons, and dimensions of 6.6 meters long, this extraordinary weapon can penetrate up to 61 meters of solid rock and concretebefore detonating[2][4]. Unlike other explosives that detonate on impact, the MOP first burrows into the ground before exploding when it reaches the underground facility[2].
Analysts like Behnam Ben Taleblu from the neoconservative Foundation for Defense of Democracies stress that "all eyes are on Fordo," the uranium enrichment plant located south of Tehran, which deserves special attention due to its subterranean nature, making it inaccessible to Israeli bombs[1].
The MOP's unique attributes are primarily due to its ultra-thick, fortified steel casing, enabling it to burrow through rock layers with ease[4]. This explains its substantial weight and dimensions. Additionally, the bomb's fuze is designed to identify voids and detonate upon entering the underground facility[4].
Development of this revolutionary weapon began in the early 2000s, and in 2009, an initial order of 20 units was placed with Boeing[4]. The only aircraft capable of deploying the MOP is the B-2 stealth bomber, famed for its ability to evade sophisticated air defenses and deliver the massive weapon accurately to heavily protected targets[2][3].
With its long range, B-2 bombers can be launched from the USA and still reach the Middle East to execute bombing missions, as evidenced by satellite imagery from PlanetLabs[1]. Each B-2 can carry two MOPs, primed and ready for deployment[1]. In the event of the decision to deploy the MOP, retired US General Mark Schwartz reveals that "they won't just drop a single (bomb) and then 'done,' but they will use multiple to ensure a 100 percent hit probability." He adds that Israel's dominance in air superiority over Iran "reduces the risks" that B-2 bombers could face[1].
However, the use of the MOP in military intervention comes at a high political cost[1]. Indeed, it is not the only solution for stopping Iran's nuclear program permanently, as diplomatic solutions must also be considered[1]. In case the Israelis lack access to the MOP, they may attempt other methods, such as trying to hit the entrance of underground facilities, collapsing as much of the structure as possible, and cutting power supplies, as demonstrated in the case of the Iranian nuclear facility in Natanz[1].
The MOP revolutionizes warfare by effectively neutralizing nuclear and other critical underground infrastructure, deployed via stealth bombers that can evade enemy defenses[1][2][3][4]. Its unparalleled ability to penetrate deep underground facilities and deliver devastating payloads makes the MOP a formidable weapon in modern military interventions aimed at preventing nuclear proliferation[1][2][3][4].
Tags:
- Israel
- Israel Conflict
- Iran
- Iran Conflict
- Iran Nuclear Program
- USA
- Donald Trump
- Military Technology
- Bunker Buster
- Nuclear Weapons
- Stealth Bomber
- Underground Facility Attacks
Extra Info:
- The MOP can penetrate up to 200 feet of rock or hardened material, making it the world's largest non-nuclear bomb designed specifically for deeply buried, heavily fortified structures[1][2][4].
- Its high-explosive material is around 5,000 to 5,300 pounds, and it is precision-guided[2].
- The bomb's casing is a special high-performance steel alloy that ensures the bomb's integrity during high-impact penetration[2].
- The MOP was first used in combat on June 22, 2025, during American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites[3].
- The Commission, amidst the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, has been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, potentially arising from the use of weapons like the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) in political conflicts or war-and-conflicts.
- Meanwhile, in the realm of general news, discussions on the ethics and consequences of using the MOP, such as its high political cost, have been raised, considering its potential role in strategic attacks on Iran's nuclear program during Donald Trump's presidency.
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