GBU-28 Bunker Buster Bomb

Full Specifications

The GBU-28 Bomb is a U.S.-developed precision-guided bunker buster designed to destroy deeply buried and hardened military targets. Developed during the Gulf War in the early 1990s, the bomb was created to penetrate reinforced underground bunkers, command centers, and fortified facilities that standard munitions could not effectively destroy.

The weapon combines a heavy penetrating warhead with laser guidance technology, allowing it to strike targets with high accuracy. The GBU-28 became one of the most recognized bunker-penetrating weapons used by the U.S. Air Force and allied forces in modern combat operations. Its operational role focuses on strategic deep-strike missions against heavily protected infrastructure.

Manufacturer

The GBU-28 was primarily developed by Raytheon in cooperation with the United States Air Force. Early versions used modified artillery barrel casings to accelerate wartime production during Operation Desert Storm.

The bomb integrates the Paveway laser-guidance kit, enabling precision targeting from aircraft such as the F-15E Strike Eagle, B-2 Spirit, and other compatible combat aircraft.

Speed and Range

The GBU-28 itself is an air-dropped gravity bomb and does not possess an onboard propulsion system. Its operational range depends on the launch altitude and speed of the delivery aircraft. When released from high altitude, the bomb gains significant kinetic energy, allowing it to penetrate multiple meters of reinforced concrete and underground structures before detonation.

The laser-guided navigation system provides high accuracy with a low Circular Error Probable (CEP), making it effective against hardened strategic targets. The bomb is optimized for high-speed strike aircraft operating in contested environments.

Cost/Price

Estimated unit costs for the GBU-28 vary depending on guidance packages and modernization upgrades. Public estimates generally place the cost between $200,000 and $300,000 per unit. Exact pricing remains dependent on production contracts, integration requirements, and export configurations.

FAQs