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U.S. Air Force Orders Thousands of Bunker-Busting Bombs

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, February 25th 2026 at 14:07 GMT by al.com
      Locales: UNITED STATES, IRAN (ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF), IRAQ

Washington D.C. - February 25th, 2026 - In a move widely interpreted as a direct response to escalating geopolitical tensions, the U.S. Air Force has placed a substantial order for over 3,000 GBU-28 Paveway II bunker-busting bombs. This significant investment signals a clear intent to enhance the military's capacity to strike heavily fortified and deeply buried targets, specifically in relation to potential conflicts with China and Iran, but with implications for broader strategic planning.

The order, revealed earlier today, focuses on the GBU-28, a laser-guided bomb renowned for its ability to penetrate reinforced structures and destroy underground facilities. These are not typical munitions; they are designed to neutralize command centers, storage depots, and critical infrastructure shielded by layers of concrete and earth. Military analysts suggest the sheer volume of the order indicates a shift from contingency planning towards preparations for sustained, large-scale conflict.

Rising Tensions Fuel Arms Build-Up

The backdrop to this acquisition is a world increasingly defined by instability and power struggles. In the Indo-Pacific, China's growing assertiveness in the South China Sea, its ongoing military modernization, and its increasingly vocal claims over Taiwan continue to raise alarms in Washington. Recent simulated war games, leaked earlier this month, highlighted the potential for a rapid escalation of conflict in the region, emphasizing the need to counter China's growing anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) capabilities. These capabilities involve sophisticated missile systems and advanced air defenses designed to prevent U.S. forces from operating freely near Chinese territory. The GBU-28, by virtue of its deep-penetration ability, directly addresses this challenge, offering a means to bypass or neutralize these defenses.

Simultaneously, the Middle East remains a powder keg. Iran's continued support for proxy groups throughout the region, its development of ballistic missile technology, and its nuclear ambitions represent a persistent threat to regional stability. The recent increase in naval activity in the Strait of Hormuz, coupled with heightened rhetoric from both Iran and its regional adversaries, has raised the specter of another major conflict. The Paveway II provides a crucial option for targeting Iran's dispersed and hardened facilities, including its nuclear program's potential underground sites.

Beyond China and Iran: A Global Signal

While the focus is currently on China and Iran, the Air Force's investment extends beyond these two nations. The GBU-28 is a versatile weapon system applicable to a range of scenarios. North Korea, with its network of underground tunnels and facilities, is another potential target. Furthermore, the acquisition underscores a broader strategic trend: a move away from reliance on standoff weapons and towards the ability to quickly and decisively eliminate hardened targets in any theater of operation.

"This isn't just about specific adversaries," explains retired General Mark Thompson, a defense analyst. "It's about ensuring the U.S. maintains a credible capability to respond to any threat, anywhere in the world. Hardened facilities are becoming increasingly common, as nations seek to protect critical infrastructure from aerial attack. We're seeing a global trend towards underground construction, and the GBU-28 is one of the few weapons systems capable of effectively addressing that threat."

Investment in Strike Capabilities Continues

The GBU-28 order is not an isolated event. The Air Force has consistently invested in improving its strike capabilities over the past several years. This includes upgrades to existing aircraft, the development of new long-range standoff weapons, and the integration of advanced targeting systems. The ongoing development of the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, designed to penetrate heavily defended airspace, further demonstrates this commitment.

Concerns and Criticism

However, the move has not been without its critics. Some argue that the acquisition of more bunker-busting bombs could escalate tensions and encourage a more aggressive foreign policy. Arms control advocates point to the lack of transparency surrounding the order and the potential for proliferation. "Increasing the arsenal of such destructive weapons doesn't contribute to de-escalation," says Emily Carter, Director of the Peace Action Institute. "It signals an intention to use force, which could ultimately lead to a dangerous cycle of escalation."

Despite these concerns, the Air Force maintains that the acquisition is a necessary step to ensure national security and deter potential adversaries. The message is clear: the U.S. is preparing for a future where the ability to strike deeply buried targets is paramount.