US Air Force Awards Contract for Next-Gen Bunker-Buster Bomb Prototype

Key Takeaways

The U.S. Air Force awarded Applied Research Associates a two-year contract for the Next Generation Penetrator, a new bunker-busting bomb.
Boeing is collaborating with ARA to develop the tail kit and support integration for the new bomb variant.
The aim is to create lighter munitions effective against deep-seated threats, enhancing U.S. national security capabilities.

New Developments in Bunker-Busting Munitions

The U.S. Air Force has contracted Applied Research Associates (ARA) to design and prototype a new version of its bunker-busting bomb, known as the Next Generation Penetrator. This initiative follows the use of its predecessor, the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), earlier this year against a critical Iranian nuclear facility.

ARA, based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, will work on the air-to-ground munition with Boeing, which originally manufactured the MOP. Boeing’s role includes designing the tail kit for the Next Generation Penetrator and supporting the integration of the weapon system.

The contract was awarded by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Eglin Munitions Directorate, marking a significant advancement in military capabilities aimed at tackling challenging threats. ARA will produce and test both subscale and full-scale prototypes of the bomb, evaluating its effectiveness against hard and deeply buried targets, which pose significant challenges to U.S. national security.

The specific value of the contract has not been disclosed. However, the Air Force reiterated the strategic importance of bombing capabilities designed to penetrate fortified shelter systems effectively. These bunker-busters are crucial for damaging underground labs, tunnels, military facilities, and shelters used by key adversaries. Recent military actions, including a June strike on Iran’s nuclear enrichment facility at Fordo—set deep within a mountain—underscore the need for enhanced penetrating munitions.

In a request for information released in February 2024, the Air Force outlined expectations for the new munitions. The proposed warhead is intended to weigh no more than 22,000 pounds, which is notably lighter than the current MOP, estimated at 30,000 pounds. The new design aims to incorporate blast, fragmentation, and penetration capabilities.

Delivery expectations set by the Air Force indicate that the contractor should provide around ten subscale models and three to five full-scale warheads within 18 months to two years following the contract award. Additionally, the navigation system will need to function effectively in scenarios where enemy GPS capabilities are compromised.

This contract reflects a broader strategy to enhance U.S. military readiness against adversaries utilizing increasingly fortified positions. The Next Generation Penetrator’s development signifies a commitment to ensuring that the U.S. military can address evolving threats in an age where traditional tactics may be insufficient.

Stephen Losey contributes insights on air warfare, having previously covered various aspects of military operations and leadership.

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