Netanyahu’s Appeal for US Military Support
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is looking for assistance from the United States to further his plans, particularly in accessing advanced weapons like the GBU-57, also known as the “massive ordnance penetrator.”
While he isn’t necessarily requesting US pilots or bombers, what he really needs is that hefty bunker buster.
With enough of these weapons, and a bit of ingenuity, Israel could target Iran’s most secure nuclear facilities without dragging the US into another public war.
The targets are well-known. Iran’s Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, situated near the Natanz Complex, and additional installations deep under Mount Koran Gaz are among them. Traditional bomb runs won’t cut it; these locations require munitions capable of cutting through layers of reinforced concrete, steel, and rock.
Unfortunately for Israel, its Air Force lacks such firepower.
Israelis argue that no aircraft can carry the 15-ton GBU-57 into Iranian airspace, but that’s not entirely correct. The Israeli forces already hold air superiority over parts of Iran, including Tehran. With Iran’s air defenses weakened, they might not need to send in fighter jets. Instead, they might utilize a cargo plane or something akin to a “flying dump truck.”
Unconventional Delivery Methods
The US has successfully used cargo planes like the C-130 to drop large bombs in conflicts such as Vietnam and Iraq, and the Israeli Air Force could follow suit. The C-130 can carry the GBU-57 and release it through a rear parachute.
Yet, if conditions such as altitude or airspeed are inadequate for proper bomb deployment, Israel has alternative strategies.
For instance, El Al, Israel’s national airline, operates six Boeing 777-200ERs. With some modifications, including military insignia and equipment from the US Air Force B-52H, those jets could be outfitted to carry two MOPs.
This isn’t just hypothetical; it’s a question of engineering.
Achieving Precision through Technology
To enhance accuracy, Israel will need to integrate GPS and inertial navigation systems into the bombs, allowing them to effectively know their position and destination. Upon release, they would be guided to the target coordinates with high precision.
The MOP’s advanced fuse assesses the layers it must penetrate—soil, rock, concrete, and voids—ensuring it detonates at the core target zone. A second bomb in the same area can ensure total annihilation.
Final Thoughts
Israel might not require American air support to carry out its mission in Iran, but it definitely needs the right hardware.
If supplied with sufficient GBU-57s and some creative thinking, Israel could tackle Iran’s most fortified nuclear sites without pulling the US into another high-profile conflict.
The lingering question remains: does Trump’s reluctance to engage in prolonged conflicts hinder his willingness to provide Netanyahu with essential tools to expedite his objectives?
