Bunkerbusting

Bunkerbusting is a military term for the neutralization of fortified underground bunkers and other protected positions. The objective is to deny shelter, command and control, or important assets to an adversary by breaching, collapsing, or destroying the structure and its contents, while trying to minimize casualties among friendly forces.

Techniques rely on penetrating weapons and explosive charges. Earth-penetrating and reinforced-concrete charges, shaped charges, and air- or ground-delivered munitions are designed to breach the outer shell before detonation. A widely cited example is the U.S. GBU-28 Paveway III, a precision-guided bunker-busting bomb used during the 1991 Gulf War.

History: The need to address bunkers emerged in World War II, with extensive fortifications built by several combatants. Over time, weapons and tactics in bunker busting evolved to accommodate different geology and levels of protection, from hardened concrete bunkers to subterranean facilities and command centers. The concept remains relevant in modern conflicts where underground facilities are considered high-value targets.

Operational and legal considerations: Bunkerbusting relies on accurate intelligence and reconnaissance to locate targets and assess structural integrity, geology, and civilian risk. International humanitarian law requires proportionality and precautions to protect civilians, and the inherently high-risk nature of underground targets influences planning, rules of engagement, and escalation dynamics.

Related topics include bunker-buster weapons, penetrators, and siege warfare.

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