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| GBU-57 bomb |
The US Air Force has announced the beginning of a search for new solutions and technologies aimed at improving and expanding the arsenal of super-powerful penetrating ammunition GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP). These bombs were first used in combat in June 2025, when B-2 Spirit attacked Iran's nuclear facilities, dropping 14 such munitions. This event highlighted their strategic value.
One of the key areas of modernization is the development of new fuses that will increase the effectiveness of ammunition when hitting deeply buried and well-protected targets. In addition, the Air Force is also interested in providing additional sources for the production of other important components GBU-57/B, as well as in maintaining current stocks of these high-tech bombs.
A new generation of strategic bombers, including the promising B-21 Raider, will also be equipped with the ability to use MOP. However, according to experts, the B-21 will be able to carry only one such bomb per mission due to its enormous weight and size — more than 14 tons. For comparison, during testing, these bombs were also successfully used from B-52 Stratofortress aircraft.
These actions by the US Air Force indicate long-term plans to maintain superiority in strategic aviation weapons and enhance the ability to defeat hard-to-reach targets. Given the geopolitical tensions and the growing number of well-fortified facilities held by potential adversaries, such munitions are becoming critical elements of the US defense strategy.
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