Posted on 05/23/2006 10:35:53 AM PDT by gopwinsin04
DEBKAfile reports: Bush is expected to offer the mighty BIG-BLU bunker buster bomb to Israel and Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia
May 22, 2006, 9:11 PM (GMT+02:00)
The intention is to arm US allies with a deterrent against Iran by sharing with them the means for striking the Islamic Republics underground nuclear installations.
This Massive Ordnance Penetrator MOP known as BIG-BLU (picture) - weighs in at 13,600 kilos and can destroy 25% of its targets in bunkers buried beneath 60 meters of reinforced concrete, a depth greater than any other bomb of its type.
DEBKAfiles military sources note that this bomb in Saudi hands will also serve the oil kingdom as a deterrent against Israels atomic weapons program. In this way, the Bush administration demonstrates it is not solely targeting the military weapons activities of Muslim nations. The bunker busters will no doubt come with strings attached with regard to their use.
Israeli prime minister Olmert, who is due at the White House Tuesday, said he hoped Bush will lead other nations in taking the necessary measures to stop Iran form becoming a nuclear power.
DEBKAfiles Washingtons sources say the Bush administration has little faith in other nations, especially the Europeans, acting to stop Iran, and has embarked on preparations for action on its own initiative. In these circumstances, Israeli ambivalence would be the preferred public stance rather than explicit dependence on Washington.
Print Send to Friend Close window
Copyright 2000-2006 DEBKAfile. All Rights Reserved.
DEBKAfile reports: Bush is expected to offer the mighty BIG-BLU bunker buster bomb to Israel and Gulf states, including Saudi ArabiaHow does one get a job at DEBKA? Do you just need a perpetual supply of tin foil or do you have to be certifiably N-U-T-S?
![]()
![]()
I don't think the Israelis fly either of those planes, so what platform would they use?
I was under the impression that the BigBlu's were only a recent development....just tested for the first time a couple of months ago.
Matters not, just as long as Iran knows that Israel has them, and the will to use them ..... pre-emptively!
Nope- it means Louisiana, Texas, Florida, Mississippi and Alabama can use them for the upcoming hurricane season..;)
To: demlosers; Sender
Platforms B-52, B-2
I don't think the Israelis fly either of those planes, so what platform would they use?
They better get the right target with the FIRST one, or else SA will GLOW for a LONG time!
"Nope- it means Louisiana, Texas, Florida, Mississippi and Alabama can use them for the upcoming hurricane season..;)"
:-D
Israel could try to mount it on one of their 25 F15E [F15I] Strike Eagles.
Max takeoff weight for a Strike Eagle is 81,000 lbs.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.