Number: RL32599
Title: Bunker Busters: Sources of Confusion in the Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator Debate
Authors: Jonathan Medalia, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: The Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator, or RNEP, often called a bunker buster, has received much attention in Congress and elsewhere this year. It has also spawned much confusion. This report discusses five sources of confusion in this debate: complex issues; facts that morph into myths; irrefutable claims; unclear terminology; and competing story lines. By way of background, RNEP is at present the subject of a study to determine if one of two existing nuclear bombs could be modified  mainly by using a heavy, pointed, hardened case  so as to penetrate several meters underground to increase by a factor of 20 to 50 its ability to destroy buried targets.
Pages: 12
Date: January 10, 2005