- The Fordo facility is a deeply buried site crucial for Iran’s uranium enrichment and is believed to be situated between 250 and 350 feet underground. This depth presents unique challenges for any military strike aimed at neutralizing its capabilities.
- Successful penetration of the Fordo facility would require the GBU57 due to its design aimed at penetrating various materials, including reinforced concrete and steel. Estimates suggest that the bomb can reach depths of about 200 feet, emphasizing the importance of precise targeting and multiple munition deployments to achieve maximum effectiveness.
- Analysts suggest that a single bomb strike would likely not suffice; instead, a multi-layered approach using several B2s dropping multiple munitions would be necessary to incapacitate the site effectively.
- Despite suffering losses, Iranian forces have not fully deployed their arsenal, as evidenced by the lack of use of cruise missiles and other advanced weaponry in recent confrontations.
- Analysts note potential strategic withholding of high-powered munitions, raising questions about whether Iran is reserving them for future larger-scale engagements or if they face logistical limitations in their deployment.
- The Israeli Defense Forces recognize that while their air defense systems have succeeded in intercepting a majority of incoming threats, the continued presence of Iranian attack capabilities represents an ongoing significant threat to Israel’s security infrastructure.
Massive Ordinance Penetrator
Greg P
Posted underB2GBU57IranIsraelMilitary StrategyUraniumUS Air ForceUS NAVYWar