United States Delivers Bunker Busters to Israel

Despite the recent political rift that has formed between Israel and the United States, the military relationship is as strong as ever.  In a recent meeting between US President Barack Obama and Defense Minister Ehud Barak, the two were able to see past tensions and build toward continued military relationships between the two countries.

Defense News reports that the United States has made good on a delivery of 1,000 GBU-39 bombs, which will be attached to a fleet of Israeli F-15I aircraft.  The GBU-39 is a 250 pound guided bomb.  It is commonly known as the small diameter bomb.  It is a variant of the “bunker buster” family of bombs.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates made it clear that “[their] defense relationship is stronger than ever, to the mutual benefit of both nations.”  He supports maintaining a strong relationship with Israel and keeping the IDF equipped with the best military technology in the world as a deterrent to enemy attacks.

The bunker buster bombs are precise, tactical weapons that can take out targets deep underground without the use of a surface nuclear explosion.  Retired Israeli Brigadier General Assaf Agmon hit the nail on the head:

“We see it in North Korea, Iran and other places, and the most effective way to address the threat is through precision, deep penetration airstrikes,” he said. “I think both governments – despite their differences from time to time – realize that a strong, technologically advanced front-line Israeli force promotes mutual strategic interests in this region.”