Global Bunker Buster Bombs Compared: Why Only the USA Has the Massive GBU-57 MOP
World’s Bunker Buster Bombs: How Other Countries Compare to the USA
Bunker buster bombs are specialized weapons designed to destroy hardened underground targets like command bunkers, weapons depots, and nuclear facilities. While the United States leads this category with the massive GBU-57 MOP, other countries have developed their own bunker-busting bombs — though on a much smaller scale and for regional or tactical purposes.
Let’s first compare the bunker buster bombs fielded by other countries.
Top Bunker Buster Bombs by Other Countries
| Rank | 💣 Bomb Name | ⚖️ Weight | 🌐 Country | 📌 Capability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | GBU-57A/B MOP (Massive Ordnance Penetrator) | 13,600 kg | USA | Penetrates 60 meters of concrete, targets deep nuclear & command bunkers |
| 2️⃣ | GBU-28 Bunker Buster | 2,268 kg | USA | Developed for Iraq’s deep bunkers, penetrates up to 6 meters of concrete |
| 3️⃣ | KAB-1500L-Pr | 1,500 kg | Russia | Laser-guided, designed for hardened command posts and bunkers |
| 4️⃣ | SPICE-2000 (Penetrator variant) | 1,000 kg | India / Israel | Precision-guided, famous for the 2019 Balakot airstrike |
| 5️⃣ | Storm Shadow / SCALP EG | 1,300 kg | UK / France | Cruise missile with a BROACH warhead for hardened targets |
| 6️⃣ | KAB-500L-Pr | 500 kg | Russia | Tactical penetrator bomb for light bunkers and shelters |
| 7️⃣ | AASM Hammer (penetrator variant) | 250–1,000 kg | France | Modular guided bomb kit, up to 1,000 kg with bunker-penetrating variant |
| 8️⃣ | HOPE / HOSBO (planned) | Up to 1,000 kg | Germany | Future precision glide bomb family under development |
Quick Highlights by Country Accept USA:
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Russia: Relies on KAB-1500L-Pr and KAB-500L-Pr laser-guided bombs for hardened targets. Also uses thermobaric bombs (like ODAB-1500) for fortified positions.
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India & Israel: Use SPICE-2000 precision-guided bombs with a penetration variant. India deployed this effectively during the 2019 Balakot airstrikes.
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UK & 🇫🇷 France: Field the Storm Shadow / SCALP EG cruise missile with a bunker-penetrating BROACH warhead, combat-proven in Syria and Libya.
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France: Also uses the AASM Hammer modular bomb kit, including a penetrator variant.
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Germany: Developing the HOPE / HOSBO precision glide bomb family for future tactical bunker-busting needs.
None of these weapons exceed a weight of 1,500 kg or have penetration capability comparable to the US GBU-57 MOP. Most are designed for light to medium-depth bunkers, airbases, or fortified camps.
Why Only the USA Has Massive Bunker Busters Like the GBU-57 MOP
The United States is the only country to develop and field a bunker buster like the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) — a 13,600 kg bomb capable of destroying facilities buried up to 60 meters under reinforced concrete. Here’s why:
1️⃣ Strategic Global Need
Unlike other nations, the USA regularly faces potential military operations against:
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Deep nuclear sites in Iran (Fordow)
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North Korea’s underground nuclear facilities
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Chinese hardened command centers
Other countries primarily deal with regional threats where a 500–1,500 kg bomb is sufficient. The US alone requires the ability to strike deeply buried, nuclear-capable enemy targets worldwide.
2️⃣ Advanced Technological Capability
Creating a 13-ton bomb that can penetrate 60 meters of concrete is extremely complex:
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Requires advanced metallurgy to survive impact.
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Needs specialized fuzing systems to detonate deep underground.
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Must be paired with GPS/INS guidance systems for precise delivery.
Very few nations possess the technological base to develop such a weapon.
3️⃣ Exclusive Delivery Platforms
Only the United States operates a bomber capable of carrying and deploying such a bomb:
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The B-2 Spirit stealth bomber can carry the GBU-57 while evading sophisticated air defenses.
No other nation fields a stealth heavy bomber of this class. While Russia’s Tu-160 and China’s H-6 can carry heavy bombs, they lack the stealth and penetration capabilities needed for such missions.
4️⃣ High Costs and Political Sensitivity
Ultra-heavy bunker busters like the GBU-57 MOP are:
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Very expensive to develop and deploy
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Politically sensitive as they’re designed specifically for strategic nuclear sites and command bunkers.
Most countries don’t face situations that justify investing in such weapons, and using them would signal major escalation in conflict.
5️⃣ Alternatives Used by Other Nations
Since massive bunker busters are impractical for most militaries, other countries prefer:
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Thermobaric bombs (like Russia’s ODAB-1500)
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Cruise missiles with penetrator warheads (UK’s Storm Shadow)
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Precision-guided bombs in the 500–2,000 kg range for tactical needs
These are cheaper, easier to deploy, and sufficient for regional conflicts.
Conclusion
| USA | Rest of the World |
|---|---|
| Unique strategic need to strike deep underground nuclear bunkers globally | Focus on regional or tactical hardened targets |
| Possesses stealth heavy bombers (B-2 Spirit) to carry 13-ton bombs | No equivalent operational platform |
| Massive investment in ultra-heavy penetration bomb technology | Prioritize smaller, cheaper, conventional or alternative methods |
| GBU-57 penetrates 60 meters of concrete | No other bomb exceeds 6–10 meters penetration |
The United States stands alone in fielding a bomb like the GBU-57 MOP because of its global strategic commitments, technological edge, and dedicated stealth bombers. Other countries focus on smaller tactical weapons suitable for their regional threats.
Unless another nation finds itself facing the same kind of deep, hardened nuclear-capable adversaries, it’s unlikely anyone else will build a bomb like the MOP anytime soon.
