GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) and the B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber

Context: The USA military has recently dropped the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) on Iran’s Fordo nuclear site, entering the Israel- Iran conflict.

• Iran’s Fordo site is believed to be located 90 metres beneath a mountain and  allegedly stockpiled the enriched uranium for weapons purposes.

About the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) or ‘Bunker Buster’

• Objective: The MOP or The “bunker buster” is a non nuclear weapon system designed to attack deeply-buried and well protected facilities which can host weapons of mass destruction.
  • A “bunker buster” is a type of munition capable of penetrating and hitting targets secured in underground facilities.
• The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) of the USA government launched the MOP project in 2003.
• Size: The MOP measures about 20.5 feet in length and weighs about 13,000 kgs
• Combat Operations: The GBU-57 was first tested in 2007 and the Iran airstrikes marked the first known use of the MOP in combat.
• Developed By: The system is developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory with aerospace and defence company Boeing as the industry partner. 
• Feature: The MOP is designed to penetrate up to 60 metres of earth before exploding. 
  • The warhead is encased in a special high-performance steel alloy.

B2 Spirit Stealth Bomber

• The B-2 is a heavy strategic bomber with Northrop Grumman as the prime contractor.
• The B2 Spirit Stealth Bomber is currently the only flight which can carry the MOP. Each B2 can carry at most two MOPs at a time. 
• Flight: The B-2 was first deployed in the Kosovo War in 1999.
  • Later deployments included missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, and now Iran.
• Features: 
  • Long Range: The B-2 has an extremely long range flying capability allowing it to fly across continents from its base, complete the mission, and fly back. 
  • Stealth: The B-2’s low observability i.e. stealth qualities are derived from a combination of reduced infrared, acoustic, electromagnetic, visual and radar signatures.

GENIUS Act

Context: The GENIUS Act bill was passed by the US Senate for regulating stablecoins in the US.

About Genius Act

• Genius Act refers to Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins act. 
• The bill aims to set rules for stablecoins, including measures to prevent money laundering, ensure stablecoins are fully backed by reserves, and require monthly audits.
• It will now go to the US House of Representatives. 

What Are Stablecoins?

• Stablecoins are a type of cryptocurrency designed to keep their value stable, unlike other highly volatile crypto assets.
• They act like digital versions of regular money (like the U.S. dollar) but still offer the benefits of cryptocurrencies.
• Their value is backed by other assets like cash, gold, or even other cryptocurrencies.
• There are four types:
  • Fiat-backed (linked to currencies like the dollar)
  • Crypto-backed (secured by other cryptocurrencies)
    Commodity-backed (like gold or oil)
  • Algorithmic (stabilized using smart algorithms, not physical assets)

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