Israel Deploys Unseen Incendiary Munitions in Iran Strikes

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) has released images of a previously unpublicized bomb, believed to possess an incendiary component, used in recent strikes against Iran. These images, posted by the IAF on March 3, show a 2,000-pound-class air-delivered bomb equipped with a Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) guidance kit, notably featuring a red band around its nose. Weapons experts suggest the red band typically signifies an incendiary payload, distinguishing it from high-explosive munitions which are usually marked with yellow. This deployment comes as the United States and Israel launched attacks last week, with the IAF stating it has dropped 5,000 bombs on Iran since the offensive began.

Monitoring by Bellingcat indicates that several new or previously unknown weapons have been deployed in the initial days of the conflict, including the US Precision Strike Missile and a variant of the Tomahawk cruise missile. Experts consulted by Bellingcat, including Dr. N.R. Jenzen-Jones of Armament Research Services (ARES) and Explosive Remnants of War expert Frederic Gras, identify the newly revealed bomb as potentially part of the US MK 80 series or an Israeli equivalent. Its design suggests a possible role in neutralizing chemical or biological warfare agents, adding a new dimension to the ongoing military engagements in the region. The use of such specialized munitions underscores the evolving nature of warfare and the strategic objectives behind these recent strikes.