Bunker buster deployment nears

The Pentagon acknowledged Wednesday what’s been clear to anyone who tracks DoD contracts. Deployment of the massive “bunker buster” bomb, capable of penetrating deeply buried facilities, is on a fast track. Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said the first 30,000-pound Massive Ordnance Penetrator should be ready by the middle of next year. He notes that the United States has other weapons capable of penetrating hardened facilities, but says the technology in the MOP takes the capability to a new level and puts it in a class by itself. The Pentagon said in August it wanted to speed up production plans. (Source: Multiple, including Voice of America, AFP, 10/08/09) Gulf Coast note: The weapon is being developed by Boeing and Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.