Background of the Kursk Incident

The Kursk submarine disaster occurred on August 12, 2000, when the Russian nuclear submarine Kursk sank during military exercises in the Barents Sea. The submarine was carrying 118 sailors, and only 23 of them survived. The incident sparked international concern and led to a massive search and rescue operation.

The Role of US Fighter Jets

As part of the international effort to locate and rescue the survivors, US fighter jets were deployed to the area. These fighter jets played a crucial role in the search and rescue mission, providing support to the Russian navy and other rescue teams.

The 10-ton Bomb

One of the most notable aspects of the US fighter jets’ involvement was their use of a 10-ton bomb. This bomb was dropped on the submarine to create a large enough hole to allow the survivors to escape. The bomb was a GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB), also known as the “Mother of All Bombs.”

The Deployment of the MOAB

The decision to drop the MOAB was made by the US military after careful consideration. The bomb was dropped from a B-52 Stratofortress bomber, which was flying at an altitude of 30,000 feet. The bomb was released over the submarine, and it exploded with a massive force, creating a large enough hole for the survivors to escape.

Parameter	Value
Weight	10 tons
Explosive Yield	11,000 pounds of TNT equivalent
Wing Span	31.7 feet
Length	20.5 feet

The Impact of the Bombing

The bombing of the Kursk submarine was a highly controversial decision. While it did allow the survivors to escape, it also raised concerns about the use of such powerful weapons in civilian areas and the potential for collateral damage. The explosion caused significant damage to the submarine, and it remains at the bottom of the Barents Sea to this day.

The Aftermath

The Kursk submarine disaster and the use of the MOAB bomb had a lasting impact on the international community. It highlighted the dangers of military exercises and the potential consequences of using powerful weapons in civilian areas. The incident also led to increased cooperation between Russia and the US in the field of submarine safety and search and rescue operations.

Survivors’ Accounts

The survivors of the Kursk submarine disaster recounted their harrowing experiences. They described the intense pressure and darkness inside the submarine, as well as the fear of death. The use of the MOAB bomb was a last resort, and it ultimately saved their lives. However, the survivors also expressed concerns about the potential long-term effects of the explosion on their health.

Conclusion

The Kursk submarine disaster and the use of the MOAB bomb are a stark reminder of the dangers of military operations and the potential consequences of using powerful weapons. While the bombing of the Kursk submarine saved the lives of the survivors, it also raised important questions about the ethics of using such weapons in civilian areas. The incident serves as a cautionary tale for the international community and a call for increased cooperation in the field of submarine safety and search and rescue operations.