What Is The 910-kg 'Bunker Buster' Bomb US Dropped On Iran's Nuclear Sites | Photos

The 2,000-pound (around 910 kg) bunker buster bombs are precision-guided munitions designed to destroy heavily fortified underground targets that conventional bombs cannot penetrate. These include underground military bases, bunkers, nuclear facilities and command centres. (News18 Hindi)

Unlike standard bombs that detonate on impact, bunker busters are engineered to penetrate deep into the ground or reinforced structures before exploding, maximising damage to subterranean networks. (News18 Hindi)

One of the most widely used bunker buster variants is based on the BLU-109 penetrator warhead. When fitted with the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) guidance kit, the weapon becomes a GPS-guided "smart bomb" designated as the GBU-31(V)3/B. The JDAM kit converts a conventional bomb into a precision-guided munition capable of accurately striking targets even in adverse weather conditions or low visibility. (News18 Hindi)

The weapon measures about 7 feet 11 inches in length and weighs approximately 910 kg. Its hardened steel casing enables it to penetrate several feet of reinforced concrete before detonation. The interior is packed with high-grade explosives such as PBXN-109, which produces a powerful blast once the bomb reaches its intended depth. (News18 Hindi)

Bunker buster bombs are typically deployed from advanced fighter aircraft. US fighter jets such as the F-15, F-16 and F/A-18 are capable of carrying these weapons, while long-range strategic bombers such as the B-2 Spirit can transport up to 16 bombs during a single mission. (News18 Hindi)

The destructive capability of the GBU-31/BLU-109 is driven by roughly 945 pounds (about 429 kg) of Tritonal high explosive. The immediate blast zone is estimated to extend between 30 and 50 metres, while severe damage can occur within a radius of 200 to 300 metres. Multi-storey structures within this range can suffer catastrophic collapse. (News18 Hindi)

The total cost of a GBU-31(V)3/B bunker buster is determined by several components. Estimates for the 2024–26 period suggest the JDAM guidance kit costs between $21,000-$30,000, while the BLU-109 penetrator warhead is priced between $20,000-$32,000. (News18 Hindi)

The overall cost of a complete bunker buster unit, including the warhead, guidance kit and fuze, is estimated at $40,000 to $70,000 (approximately Rs 33 lakh to Rs 58 lakh), making it a relatively cost-effective option compared with heavier bunker-penetrating bombs or cruise missiles. (News18 Hindi)

Israel has used US-made bunker busters in several operations. In September 2024, Israeli F-15I aircraft reportedly dropped dozens of such bombs during a strike targeting Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s underground headquarters in Beirut. The weapons have also been used against tunnel networks and fortified positions in Gaza. Since 2023, the United States has supplied thousands of bunker buster munitions to Israel. (News18 Hindi)