Words of War: GBU-57 Massive Ordinance Penetrator
When we talk about non-nuclear bombs, there is perhaps nothing that comes close to the US Air Force's GBU-57, a 12-tonne monster also known as the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP). It's the most powerful non-nuclear bomb in the US arsenal.But this isn't your typical explosive. The MOP isn't designed to flatten buildings. It's designed to burrow through them — deep underground, into fortified enemy bunkers. In military speak, it's a true 'bunker buster.' advertisementWHY IS THIS RELEVANT NOW?Because during Operation Sindoor -- India's recent military operation targeting terror hubs and installations inside Pakistan -- one name kept surfacing: Kirana Hills.
Located in Pakistan's Punjab province, the Kirana Hills have long been suspected of housing underground nuclear storage and command facilities.Officially, the Indian Air Force has denied striking the area. In a recent press briefing, Air Marshal AK Bharti even went so far as to say he wasn't aware of any such facility at Kirana Hills. But a subtle smirk on his face while saying so has only fueled speculation.IF A STRIKE HAD HAPPENED...Hypothetically, if India had targeted fortified underground bunkers -- such as those believed to exist at Kirana Hills -- it would require a bomb with deep-penetration capabilities.Enter the GBU-57 MOP.Built by BoeingWeighs over 13,000 kgCarries 2,500 kg of explosivesCan penetrate up to 60 metres underground — roughly the height of a 20-storey buildingMeasures over six metres longThis bomb was made specifically for underground targets like hardened bunkers, tunnel complexes, or nuclear facilities.WHY ABOUT INDIA?advertisementIndia doesn't possess a bomb on the scale of the GBU-57. However, it does have access to bunker-busting precision technology.During the 2019 Balakot airstrike, India deployed Israeli SPICE-2000 munitions — which are designed to explode inside structures, maximizing internal damage.India's Rafale jets are also equipped with HAMMER missiles, including variants capable of hitting fortified positions.To be clear, there is no official confirmation that Kirana Hills were struck during Operation Sindoor. And the Indian Air Force has denied any such action.Trending Reel
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Hindustan Times
26 minutes ago
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BJP's ‘believe in Tharoor' advise to Rahul Gandhi after ‘PM Modi surrendered' remark: 'Pakistani propaganda'
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Hans India
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United Oppn demands spl Parl session on Op Sindoor
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43 minutes ago
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Losses not important, outcome is: Says CDS Chauhan amid row over Op Sindoor setbacks
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