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ISRAEL AT WAR - DAY 651

bunker busters

In this photo released by the US Air Force on May 2, 2023, airmen look at a GBU-57, or the Massive Ordnance Penetrator bomb, at Whiteman Air Base in Missouri. (US Air Force via AP, File)
July 3, 2025, 10:44 am
Bipartisan US lawmakers propose giving bunker-buster bombs to Israel
For third time, Democrat Josh Gottheimer and Republican Mike Lawler introduce measure to provide massive GBU-57 explosive and aircraft to deliver them should Iran resume nuke bid
By ToI Staff
Israeli Air Force F-15 fighter jets fly over Israel en route to carry out strikes in Iran, in a handout photo published on June 25, 2025. (Israel Defense Forces)
July 1, 2025, 4:27 pm
US agencies approve $510 million sale of bomb guidance kits to Israel
Defense Department says Israel to buy over 7,000 JDAM units after IDF expended significant stocks of munitions during recent war with Iran; Congress must still approve sale
By AFP and ToI Staff
US envoy Steve Witkoff appears on Fox News' 'Laura Ingraham Show,' on June 24, 2025. (Screen capture via YouTube)
June 25, 2025, 9:19 am
Witkoff: US, Iran seeking ‘peace deal,’ strikes set Tehran’s nuke program back years
Trump’s envoy tells Fox News that reporting the US may not have destroyed Iran’s underground nuclear sites is ‘preposterous,’ says IAEA chief Rafael Grossi agrees with his assessment
By ToI Staff and Agencies
Israeli Air Force F-15I and F-35I fighter jets fly alongside a US B-52 bomber during a drill on March 4, 2025. (Israel Defense Forces)
June 22, 2025, 12:50 pm
US, Israeli militaries jointly drilled Iran strike during Biden administration – report
Last March, the Israeli Air Force held a joint exercise with the US Air Force, in what was seen at the time as a message to Tehran
By ToI Staff
Technicians work at the Iranian Arak heavy water reactor, 150 miles southwest of the capital Tehran, on December 23, 2019. (Atomic Energy Organization of Iran via AP)
June 19, 2025, 10:22 am
IDF strikes Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor, Natanz site used for nuclear development
Reports say Trump waiting on Iranians to see if they give up nuclear program, asked advisers if bunker busters can destroy Fordo, though Israel may destroy site ‘with humans’
By Emanuel Fabian, Agencies and ToI Staff
In this photo released by the US Air Force on May 2, 2023, airmen look at a GBU-57, or the Massive Ordnance Penetrator bomb, at Whiteman Air Base in Missouri. (US Air Force via AP, File)
June 17, 2025, 4:13 pm
The US bunker-buster bomb that could destroy Iran’s Fordo nuclear facility
The GBU-57 A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator bomb weighs 13,600 kilograms, and only B-2 stealth bombers are configured to carry it
By David Rising
In this photo released by the US Air Force on May 2, 2023, airmen look at a GBU-57, or the Massive Ordnance Penetrator bomb, at Whiteman Air Base in Missouri (US Air Force via AP)
May 22, 2023, 2:39 pm
Amid Iran tensions, US releases photos of bomb able to destroy underground facilities
Bunker-busting ordnance is kept at base that is home to B-2 stealth bombers, the only aircraft that can deploy it; but depth of Natanz tunnels likely presents a serious challenge
By Jon Gambrell
This satellite photo from Planet Labs PBC shows construction on a new underground facility at Iran's Natanz nuclear site, on April 14, 2023. (Planet Labs PBC via AP)
May 22, 2023, 2:37 pm
Iran’s latest subterranean nuclear site likely impenetrable to US bunker busters
Analysts say continued tunneling near Natanz facility, revealed by recent satellite images, complicates calculations for US and Israel as nuclear deal remains stalled
By Jon Gambrell
Defense Minister Benny Gantz speaks to the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, on October 19, 2021. (Noam Mushkovitz/Knesset Spokesperson)
October 19, 2021, 7:37 pm
Defending budget increase, Gantz says IDF needs funds to fight off Iran threat
Defense minister appears before Knesset committee, warns Iran nearly a ‘threshold state,’ after cabinet reportedly allocates NIS 5 billion for potential strike on nuke program
By Judah Ari Gross
An Israeli Air Force F-15 takes off during the Blue Flag air exercise at the Ovda air force base, north of the Israeli city of Eilat, on November 8, 2017. (Jack Guez/AFP)
October 19, 2021, 12:58 am
Israel said to approve $1.5 billion budget for potential strike on Iran
Sum said to include funds for aircraft, intel-gathering drones and unique armaments needed for attack; report comes days after US announces successful test of new bunker buster
By ToI Staff
Prototype of the 30,000-pound Massive Ordnance Penetrator at a firing range in White Sands, New Mexico, March 14, 2007. (AP/Courtesy of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency)
October 27, 2020, 9:33 pm
Bipartisan House bill will encourage US to sell bunker buster bombs to Israel
Proposal would require DOD to consider transferring long-sought munitions capable of penetrating Iran’s underground nuclear infrastructure, but move faces considerable hurdles
By Jacob Magid and Judah Ari Gross
Illustrative photo of Hellfire missiles (photo credit: CC BY-Wikipedia)
May 20, 2015, 10:44 pm
Pentagon approves massive $1.9 billion arms sale to Israel
US says thousands of missiles and bombs to be provided for self-defense needs; Congress must okay deal
By Avi Lewis
A US F-15E Strike Eagle during a training run in Utah in 2010. (US Air Force)
May 7, 2015, 10:45 am
US may sell Saudis bombs once only offered to Israel — report
Possible bunker buster sale, along with offering F-35s to UAE, reportedly being weighed as part of American effort to allay regional fears of Iran deal
By ToI Staff
Prototype of the 30,000-pound Massive Ordnance Penetrator at a firing range in White Sands, New Mexico, March 14, 2007. (AP/Courtesy of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency)
May 4, 2015, 10:25 pm
In assuring Israel on Iran, Kerry references upgraded bunker-buster
Newly improved 30,000-pound bomb that can take out nuclear site has not been provided to IDF
By Mitch Ginsburg
US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, April 10, 2015 (AFP/pool)
April 11, 2015, 11:05 am
Carter: American bunker busters ready for use on Iran
US defense secretary says any deal will require inspection of nuclear sites, reinforces viability of military option
By ToI Staff
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