The GBU-57 bomb, a precision-guided weapon capable of penetrating 60 meters of rock and concrete, is currently the only available option to target Iran’s fortified Fordo nuclear site. Israeli military officials assert that successfully dismantling Iran’s nuclear program hinges on the destruction of this critical facility, which lies deep underground and has been referred to as the “crown jewel” of Iran’s uranium enrichment capabilities.
Developed specifically for this type of target, the GBU-57 weighs 13,600 kilograms and requires at least two bombs dropped in succession for effective penetration, as noted by defense experts. Its use would necessitate direct U.S. involvement, a prospect that lends urgency to the ongoing discussions about military readiness in the region, especially as the U.S. has recently mobilized additional refueling aircraft. As experts warn, even a successful strike might not halt Iran’s nuclear ambitions long-term, making the strategic implications of this weapon particularly significant.
Read full story at www.lemonde.fr
