US Orders Development of New Bunker Buster Bomb

Applied Research Associates (ARA) has received a 24-month contract from the US Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) to develop a prototype of a new penetrator bomb.

According to the company, the project’s primary goal is to enable the effective destruction of complex and deeply buried targets that pose a threat to US national security.

Boeing is a key partner in the project and will be responsible for developing the tail module and integrating the bomb’s components.

“We are honored to continue to support AFLCMC with innovative solutions that contribute to their mission. The ARA–Boeing team has unique knowledge and experience. This contract underscores the confidence AFLCMC places in ARA’s capabilities and our long-standing commitment to excellence,” ARA President and CEO Rob Seuss reported.

The company mentioned that it has a full suite of digital engineering solutions, including model validation, navigation systems, warhead integration, prototyping, and manufacturing.

The Next Generation Penetrator project is part of a broader US weapons modernization strategy aimed at maintaining a technological edge over potential adversaries.

On June 22, 2025, the US for the first time deployed the GBU-57 MOP, a superheavy non-nuclear bunker buster bomb, from B-2 bombers.