Is MOAB Really “The Mother Of All Bomb”?

It is technically known as the GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast is also commonly known as “The Mother Of All Bomb”.

MOAB was developed by Albert L. Weimorts Jr. who is from the Airforce Research Laboratory for the United States Military.

During the Massive Ordnance Air Blast development stage, the same has been dubbed as the most powerful non-nuclear weapon in the United States military arsenal. This kind of bomb could be delivered or deployed by C-130 Hercules, more specifically either by MC-130 E Talon I or by MC-130H Combat Talon II.

First Strike Of Massive Ordnance Air Blast

   It must be noted that the Massive Ordnance Air Blast was never use after its development during the time and administration of President George W. Bush due to the worries and apprehension that MOAB would inadvertently killed or hurt the civilian population during its use.

On March 11, 2003, the first Massive Ordnance Air Blast was tested on Range 70 which is situated at Eglin Airforce Base, Florida. The test was repeated again on November 21, 2003.

After its repeated test in 2003, the Macalester Army Ammunition Plant located at Macalester, Oklahoma have manufactured and produced 15 Massive Ordnance Air Blast.

The first operational use of the Massive Ordnance Air Blast or MOAB was on April 13, 2017 in ISIS Khorasan cave structure located in Achin District, Province of Nangarhar, Afghanistan.

It has been reported that the Massive Ordnance Air Blast has killed around 94 ISIS militants as well as four ISIS commanders. It is not reported if any civilians or non-combatants were killed, hurt or injured in the said bombing.

With the first operational used of the Massive Ordnance Air Blast and its effect, it is most likely that MOAB will again be use in the near future in Afghanistan or any other part of the world where the United States Military has a direct participation.

The use of the Massive Ordnance Air Blast has opened a new regime for a new kind of bomb weapon as part of the United States Military bombing strategy or tactics.

Costs of Massive Ordnance Air Blast Production

   It is possible that the production costs per unit of Massive Ordnance Air Blast Production or MOAB will run into millions of dollars. One could also wonder how long it take before one could produce or manufacture a Massive Ordnance Air Blast or MOAB.

As part of the United States Military arsenal, the Massive Ordnance Air Blast or MOAB could be deployed or use in any part of the world.

Another point to consider with regards to the use of the Massive Ordnance Air Blast or MOAB is its destructive power or destructive force against the enemy. Imagine a single bomb has already killed 94 ISIS militants and 4 of its commanders in just one bombing.

This does not include the physical damage cause on the cave complex of the ISIS militants.

The Massive Ordnance Air Blast or MOAB could further be improve and develop in the future.