The Bunker Busters used in their attack on, are designed to destroy strong protected facilities, such as shelters or underground bases, in depth beyond which conventional bombs can reach.
These bombs are designed to infiltrate the ground first and then explode. This allows most of the explosive power to be transferred into the subsoil instead of scattering in the air or on the surface.
They are built deep into the ground. It is estimated, for example, that in Fordo is about 80 meters below the surface and is shielded with reinforced concrete and soil layers.
The shear bomb used in this company is the largest in the US arsenal. Except for nuclear weapons, MOP (Massive Ordnance Penetrator) is the world’s largest Bunker Buster.
Weighing about 13.5 tonnes, this bomb can penetrate up to 60 meters of subsoil under the appropriate conditions. It is not known how many USA has, but estimates refer to a small number – perhaps around 20 in total.
We do not know how many were used in Iran, although some reports report number 14. If applicable, this is a significant part of the US MOP stock.
Why did they use them in Iran?
Israel has no shear bombs capable of causing serious damage to deeply buried and fortified nuclear facilities. Only Mop could carry out the mission – unless nuclear weapons were used. Even then, it would take many MOPs to ensure the sufficient destruction of underground facilities.
The US argues that these facilities were completely destroyed. However, this claim cannot be confirmed with certainty.
In addition, Iran may have other non -declared nuclear facilities in unknown locations in the country.
