Hezbollah vs Israel: A visual guide to 'bunker buster' bomb that killed Nasrallah

India Today analysed the IDF footage on its Telegram channel, identifying at least 48 such BLU-109 bombs, known as bunker busters for their ability to penetrate underground targets before detonating.

In Short

• US supplied Israel with 100 BLU-109 bombs
• IDF used BLU-109 bombs against Hezbollah leader
• BLU-109 bombs penetrate underground targets

Last year, the United States supplied Israel with at least 100 BLU-109 bombs as per media reports. Months later, a video released by the IDF showed eight fighter jets, each carrying at least six American-made BLU-109 bombs reportedly weighing 2,000 pounds, allegedly used to target Hezbollah's leader.

India Today analysed the IDF footage on its Telegram channel, identifying at least 48 such BLU-109 bombs, known as bunker busters for their ability to penetrate underground targets before detonating. The warheads are designed to penetrate up to six or 1.8 m feet of reinforced concrete.

The BLU-109 bombs are identifiable during the takeoff, with one jet carrying at least six of them. The video concludes with a jet returning to the Israeli air base at dusk, devoid of its payload.

Bunker buster bombs are designed to penetrate through a target underground instead of conventional carpet bombing on the surface. To ensure maximum penetration into the ground, the warhead with BLU-109 usually consists of a high-density projectile which means it is equipped with a fuse that delays its explosion until after the bomb has penetrated its target. The supply of these bombs were reportedly aimed at destroying the underground network of tunnels by Hamas in Gaza.

However, the Geneva Conventions spell out that heavy duty bombs like bunker busters could only be used in "extreme circumstances of self-defence,” and dropping them in civilian neighbourhoods is strictly prohibited and perceived as “inhumane.”

In addition to these ground-penetrating munitions, Washington also provided Israel with over 5,000 unguided Mk82 bombs, 5,400 Mk84 bombs, around 1,000 GBU-39 small-diameter bombs, and approximately 3,000 JDAMs.

How Far Can Israel Strike?

The recent escalation with Lebanon saw the Israeli Air Force (IAF) deploy air-to-surface missiles like Popeye, EXTRA (Extended Range Artillery), and Gabriel missiles. Much of Israel’s military capabilities consist of such short-range tactical systems with ranges of up to 300 kilometres, including advanced, semi-autonomous loitering weapons.

Among its medium and intermediate range surface-to-surface missiles are Jericho 2 and Jericho 3 ballistic missiles with ranges of 1,500-3,500km and 4,800-6,500km respectively, that could hit targets anywhere in Iran, Pakistan and even Afghanistan.

Despite not officially acknowledging any nuclear program, it is widely believed that Israel does possess nuclear weapons. Israel is not a signatory of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, nor a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). It has, however, stated a unilateral commitment to abide by MTCR’s restrictions on missile exports.

In addition to strike systems, Israel also deploys a sophisticated, layered missile defence shield, developed jointly with the United States. The collaboration between Israel’s missile and the space industries, moreover, has facilitated the domestic production of satellite launch vehicles.

Israel’s combat capabilities is not limited to its rockets and missiles. It boasts an advanced, US-backed air force equipped with hundreds of multipurpose jet fighters, including F-15s, F-16s, and F-35s. Aerial refuelling tankers further enhance 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 backing from Iran and boasts a large missile arsenal in southern Lebanon. But with the militant Islamist group’s chain of command destroyed, it is unclear who will fill those roles.

Estimates suggest Hezbollah has between 20,000 and 50,000 fighters, many of whom are well-trained and have combat experience from the Syrian civil war. But the loss of men in leadership has left Hezbollah in total disarray, stripped of capable operators who possessed deep military and international experience.

The group is estimated to possess 120,000 to 200,000 rockets and missiles, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies. 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, along with guided missiles capable of striking deep within Israel. Hezbollah's weapons is significantly more advanced than that of Hamas in Gaza.