Tomeka B. Scales, Ph.D.
Director, Media Engagement & Communications
703.875.8974
media@pscouncil.org

Defending the Nation: How Public-Private Partnership Delivered the GBU-57 “Bunker Buster” Weapon

Arlington, Va. (June 26, 2025) -- Today, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force General Dan Caine held a press briefing at the Pentagon, recognizing the federal government’s partnership with industry to develop the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) “bunker buster” weapon. General Dan Caine applauded the effort to “work with industry and other tacticians to develop the GBU-57.”

Federal contractors were responsible for supporting the GBU-57’s storage, maintenance, and readiness, under Air Force insight. The role of contractors in this effort was indispensable. From early-stage design and prototyping to advanced testing, manufacturing, and lifecycle sustainment, industry partners brought the specialized expertise and capabilities needed to turn strategic vision into operational reality. Their work ensured the GBU-57 not only met the technical requirements but was also available, maintained, and ready for deployment when called upon—demonstrating the enduring value of a robust and agile defense industrial base.

PSC leadership praised the example as a model for modern defense readiness:

“This effort represents exactly what’s possible when the government and industry come together with clarity of purpose,” said James Carroll, CEO of the Professional Services Council (PSC). “The development of the GBU-57 underscores why a strong, trusted partnership is essential to meeting national security needs. Industry didn’t just deliver a product—they delivered deterrence.”

“This partnership is another example of excellence in the defense community,” added Steve Harris, PSC Vice President for Defense and Intelligence. “The level of commitment, technical precision, and strategic value created through this collaboration serves as a benchmark for future mission-driven innovation.”

This model reflects the power of mission-driven collaboration between government and the defense industrial base to deliver a decisive capability.

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About PSC
PSC is the leading trade association and voice of the government technology and professional services industry, with more than 400 small, medium, and large member companies that support federal agency missions and functions. Learn more at www.pscouncil.org.