Yer Altını Delen 30.000 Lb Bomba! | B-2 Stealth Uçuşu (Gerçek Test)
But one U.S.-owned weapon could shift the balance: the GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP). This enormous bunker-busting bomb has never been used in combat, but its theoretical power is impressive. So, what is this weapon, how does it work, and could it actually be effective?
What Is the GBU-57A/B and Why Does It Matter?
Developed by the U.S., the GBU-57A/B is one of the largest non-nuclear bombs in existence. Weighing around 13,600 kilograms, it was specifically designed to destroy deeply buried and fortified military targets.
The bomb is about six meters long and can penetrate up to 61 meters underground. This makes it a candidate for potential use against hard-to-reach targets like Iran's Fordow nuclear facility, located deep beneath a mountain. However, there's a key detail: the bomb can only be carried by the U.S.-owned B-2 Spirit stealth bombers. Israel does not have access to these aircraft.
Does Israel Have the Capability to Use It?
Israel does not possess any weapons similar to the MOP in size or power. This limitation increases Israel’s dependency on the U.S. when it comes to striking targets like Fordow.
While it’s technically possible for the U.S. to transfer the bomb to Israel, Washington has so far refused to allow access. Experts believe the U.S. prefers to keep such high-impact weapons under its direct control. Moreover, using the bomb in a country like Iran — with advanced air defense systems — would likely require support from stealth aircraft, electronic warfare, and UAV reconnaissance.
Why Is Fordow Such a Strategic Target?
Fordow is one of Iran’s most controversial nuclear sites. Built beneath roughly 80 meters of rock and earth, the facility is heavily fortified with advanced air defense systems.
Active since 2009, Fordow became a major point of concern in 2023 when the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) detected uranium enriched to 83.7% purity — alarmingly close to weapons-grade. Iran, however, maintains that its nuclear program is entirely peaceful.
The U.S. Role and Political Uncertainty
Deploying a weapon like the GBU-57A/B would involve not just technical logistics, but also major political decisions. Experts note that using such a bomb would essentially mean direct U.S. involvement in a conflict, potentially escalating regional tensions to a global level.
Speculation surrounds Donald Trump’s possible second term and how his administration might respond. Although Trump has not openly stated a military position, he has consistently shown support for Israel.
Can the GBU-57A/B Really Work?
While the weapon's technical specifications are impressive, its real-world effectiveness remains uncertain. The depth and structure of sites like Fordow are not fully known. Even with the MOP, there is no guarantee the target would be completely destroyed.
Experts agree that the GBU-57A/B has the potential to be a game-changer. But whether it would succeed in practice is something only real-world scenarios can reveal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ Which aircraft can carry the GBU-57A/B?
💡 Only the U.S.-owned B-2 Spirit stealth bomber can carry this bomb.
❓ Does Israel have access to the GBU-57A/B?
💡 No. Israel does not possess such a bomb, and the U.S. has not authorized its transfer.
❓ Why is the Fordow facility so critical?
💡 Fordow is a fortified nuclear enrichment site, buried deep underground, and a key part of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
👉 What’s your opinion on this matter? Let’s discuss it in the comments!
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