After the United States used the GBU-57/A giant earth penetrating missile against Iran's Fordo nuclear facility on June 22, India is accelerating the development of its advanced earth penetrating weapon capability, creating a powerful new missile system that can penetrate solid underground targets. The Indian Defense Research and Development Organization is developing an improved version of the Agni 5 intercontinental ballistic missile. Unlike the original version with a range of over 5000 kilometers and typically carrying nuclear warheads, the new version will be a conventional weapon capable of carrying ground penetrating warheads weighing up to 7500 kilograms. The missile is designed to strike enemy solid facilities buried deep under multiple layers of reinforced concrete, and is expected to penetrate 80 to 100 meters underground before detonation. The report states that this development indicates India's intention to benchmark against the capabilities of the United States. GBU-57 and its predecessor GBU-43 (commonly known as the "Mother of Bombs") have become industry benchmarks for deep penetration bombs. The domestically produced version in India has further goals. Unlike the United States' reliance on large and expensive bombers for deployment, India has designed its ground penetrating weapons to be carried by missiles, providing a more flexible and economical platform. This adjustment may reshape regional strategic planning. According to reports, the "Agni" -5 is developing two new versions. A type equipped with airburst warheads for ground targets. Another type is the deep penetration missile, designed to penetrate solid underground facilities - its concept is similar to GBU-57, but it may carry a larger warhead. Each warhead can weigh up to 8 tons, making it one of the strongest conventional warheads in the world. According to reports, although the new version has a shorter range of 2500 kilometers compared to the original "Agni" -5, its destructive power and precision are expected to make it a powerful weapon in India's strategic arsenal. These missiles are expected to reach speeds between 8 and 20 Mach, belonging to hypersonic weapons - with speeds comparable to the US ground penetrating weapon system, but with significantly enhanced warheads. (New Society)