According to media reports, last year the United States supplied at least 100 BLU-109 bombs to Israel. Months later, a video released by the IDF showed eight fighter jets, each carrying at least six American-made BLU-109 bombs weighing a reported 2,000 pounds, which were reportedly used to target the Hezbollah leader. Was done for.
India Today analyzed IDF footage on its Telegram channel, identifying at least 48 such BLU-109 bombs, known as bunker busters due to their ability to hit underground targets before exploding. The warheads are designed to penetrate up to six or 1.8 meter feet of reinforced concrete.
BLU-109 bombs can be identified during takeoff, with a jet carrying at least six bombs. The video ends with a jet returning to an Israeli airport at dusk without its payload.
Bunker buster bombs are designed to hit underground targets rather than traditional carpet bombing on the surface. To ensure maximum ground penetration, the warhead containing the BLU-109 usually has a high-density projectile which means it is equipped with a fuse that delays its detonation until the warhead penetrates the target. The supply of these bombs was reportedly intended to destroy the underground network of tunnels used by Hamas in Gaza.
However, the Geneva Convention states that heavy-duty bombs such as bunker busters can only be used in “extreme circumstances of self-defense”, and dropping them in civilian neighborhoods is strictly prohibited and considered “inhumane”.
In addition to these anti-ground weapons, Washington also provided Israel with more than 5,000 unguided Mk82 bombs, 5,400 Mk84 bombs, about 1,000 GBU-39 small-diameter bombs, and about 3,000 JDAMs.
How far can Israel attack?
In recent tensions with Lebanon, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) deployed air-to-surface missiles such as Popeye, Extra (Extended Range Artillery) and Gabriel missiles. The majority of Israel’s military capabilities consist of short-range tactical systems up to 300 kilometers, including advanced, semi-autonomous weapons.
Its medium and intermediate range surface-to-surface missiles include the Jericho 2 and Jericho 3 ballistic missiles with ranges of 1,500–3,500 km and 4,800–6,500 km respectively, which are capable of targeting Iran, Pakistan and even Afghanistan. Can hit the target anywhere.
Despite not officially acknowledging any nuclear program, it is widely believed that Israel possesses nuclear weapons. Israel is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, nor a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). However, it has stated a unilateral commitment to abide by MTCR restrictions on missile exports.
In addition to the strike system, Israel also deploys a sophisticated, layered missile defense shield developed jointly with the United States. Furthermore, cooperation between Israel’s missile and space industries has facilitated domestic production of satellite launch vehicles.
Israel’s combat capabilities are not limited to its rockets and missiles. It boasts an advanced, US-backed air force equipped with hundreds of multirole jet fighters, including F-15s, F-16s and F-35s. Aerial refueling tankers further increase its air strike range and capabilities.
How strong are Hezbollah’s forces?
Hezbollah, one of the world’s most heavily armed non-state military groups, operates with significant support from Iran and boasts a large missile arsenal in southern Lebanon. But with the militant Islamic group’s chain of command destroyed, it is unclear who will fill those roles.
Hezbollah has an estimated 20,000 to 50,000 fighters, many of whom are well trained and have combat experience from the Syrian civil war. But the lack of leadership has left Hezbollah completely disorganized, stripping it of capable operators with deep military and international experience.
According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the group is estimated to have 120,000 to 200,000 rockets and missiles. Most of its arsenal consists of small, unguided surface-to-surface rockets, but it is also believed to have anti-aircraft and anti-ship missiles as well as guided missiles capable of striking deep inside Israel. Are capable of. Hezbollah’s weapons are much more advanced than those of Hamas in Gaza.