Bunker-buster bombs & Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility

UPSC civil services examination – International security and strategic affairs perspective

What is a bunker-buster bomb?

Key specifications of GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP)

• Weight: Rs 13,600 kg
• Capable of penetrating 200 feet of earth or 60 metres of concrete
• Dropped from strategic bombers (currently only B-2 Spirit is configured for it)
• Designed for precision targeting
• Conventional warhead (not nuclear)
• Multiple strikes can be used sequentially to “drill” deeper

Strategic importance of Fordow nuclear facility

• Located near Qom, Rs 95 km southwest of Tehran
• Constructed into a mountainside, about 80 metres underground
• Became operational in 2009
• Allegedly enriching highly enriched uranium as per IAEA reports
• Protected by Iranian and Russian-made air defence systems
• Targeted as part of Israel’s mission to eliminate Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities

Challenges in targeting Fordow

US role and constraints

• The GBU-57A/B can only be deployed by the US Air Force’s B-2 Spirit stealth bomber.
• No other US ally, including Israel, currently possesses the means to deliver this bomb.
• While Israel has requested defensive support from the US, any US participation in offensive operations may jeopardize diplomatic channels (e.g., potential negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program).
• US President has avoided clarifying any red line that might trigger direct military intervention.

Strategic bombers capable of delivering bunker busters

• B-2 Spirit (US): Stealth capability; certified for GBU-57 (Massive Ordnance Penetrator)
• B-52 Stratofortress (US): Long-range; used for lighter bunker busters
• B-1B Lancer (US): Can carry precision bombs; not certified for MOP (Massive Ordnance Penetrator)
• Tu-160 Blackjack (Russia): Supersonic heavy bomber
• H-6K (China): Medium-range; limited bunker-buster use

Implications for international security

• Regional escalation: Use of such bombs may provoke Iranian retaliation, endangering US assets in the region.
• Nuclear non-proliferation concerns: Attacks on nuclear facilities raise fears of environmental and proliferation risks.
• Geopolitical alignment: US involvement could strain relations with other powers (e.g., Russia, China), complicating UN diplomacy.
• Diplomatic fallout: It could derail any efforts to revive nuclear agreements like the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action).

UPSC Mains answer framework

• Define bunker-buster bombs
• Overview of the GBU-57A/B
• Strategic importance of Fordow
• US-Israel military collaboration constraints
• Possible consequences of such an attack
• Conclude with international law and diplomatic challenges

UPSC-style questions

1. What is a bunker-buster bomb?
2. Where is the Fordow nuclear facility located and why is it significant?
Long answer type:
1. Discuss the strategic importance and challenges in targeting Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility using bunker-buster bombs.
2. Examine the potential regional and global consequences of US involvement in Israel’s military campaign against Iran.
Analytical/essay type:
1. “Precision warfare in the nuclear age poses new ethical and strategic challenges.” Analyse this statement in the context of the US-made bunker-buster bombs and the Fordo facility.
2. Evaluate the implications of using bunker-buster bombs on deeply buried nuclear sites with reference to international humanitarian law and nuclear non-proliferation norms.