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Turkey has unveiled a new domestically developed penetrating bomb capable of destroying hardened underground targets at the 17th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF 2025) in İstanbul, according to a report and video footage released by state broadcaster TRT Haber.
Developed by the Research and Development Center of the Turkish Ministry of Defense, the new munition has been named “NEB HAYALET” (Ghost in Turkish). The weapon is designed to neutralize deeply fortified structures such as command centers, bunkers and critical infrastructure.
The approximately 2,000-pound (1 ton) class bomb demonstrated strong performance in official tests, reportedly penetrating over 7 meters of high-strength C50 reinforced concrete — roughly five times stronger than that used in standard residential construction — before continuing through an additional 1.5 tons of standard concrete. C50 concrete, with compressive strength exceeding 50 megapascals (MPa), is typically used in military-grade fortified installations.
Unlike larger models such as the 30,000-pound US-made GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), which requires deployment from specialized strategic bombers, the Turkish NEB HAYALET is based on the standard MK-84 bomb casing. This design ensures compatibility with widely used NATO aircraft, including the Turkish Air Force’s F-16 fighter jets, enhancing deployment flexibility and operational readiness.
Defense analysts point out that penetrating bombs like the NEB HAYALET play a strategic role in deterring adversaries by threatening their protected underground assets. Turkey’s investment in this capability reflects its broader effort to modernize its military while reducing reliance on foreign defense suppliers.
The unveiling comes amid renewed global attention to precision-strike munitions. On June 22, US airstrikes targeted Iran’s fortified nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan using GBU-57 MOP bombs launched from B-2 stealth bombers, according to media reports. These strikes underscored the importance of bunker-busting weapons in modern military strategy, especially against adversaries that depend on heavily fortified infrastructure.
Development of the NEB HAYALET spanned more than a decade, involving research, prototyping and qualification in accordance with NATO standards. The munition has completed its certification process and is now slated for operational deployment by the Turkish Armed Forces.
This long-term project aligns with Ankara’s wider strategy to build a self-sufficient defense industry and reduce vulnerability to external pressures.