Discovery of specialized incendiary munition in Israeli inventory suggests targeting of Iranian chemical and biological facilities

Experts identify a 2,000-pound incendiary bomb in Israeli strikes on Iran, likely designed to destroy chemical and biological warfare agents.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 7, 2026, 4:04 PM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Bellingcat

Identification of novel munition markings

Analysis of official imagery released by the Israeli Air Force has revealed the deployment of a specialized 2,000-pound-class bomb fitted with a Joint Direct Attack Munition guidance kit. Weapons experts, including Dr. N.R. Jenzen-Jones of Armament Research Services, noted that the munition features a distinct red band around its nose. In international marking conventions, red typically denotes an incendiary payload, while the accompanying yellow band indicates a high-explosive component, a combination not previously documented in public Israeli service.

Capabilities for agent defeat

The markings and form factor of the bomb are consistent with the BLU-119/B Crash Prompt Agent Defeat, known as the CrashPAD. This weapon is specifically engineered to neutralize chemical or biological weapon stockpiles by utilizing a combination of white phosphorus and high explosives to generate the high heat necessary to eliminate bio-toxins. While the United States has used the CrashPAD for nearly two decades, experts suggest it is plausible that Israel has developed its own analogue to address perceived threats from Iranian non-conventional facilities.

Strategic targeting of underground sites

The emergence of this weapon coincides with a week of intensive strikes on Iranian military infrastructure, including deep underground bunkers. While standard high explosives may collapse a facility, they often fail to neutralize biological agents, which can remain hazardous if dispersed. The use of incendiary agent defeat weapons allows for the destruction of these materials in situ. This development suggests that the joint United States and Israeli air campaign is targeting specific Iranian sites suspected of housing chemical or biological research or storage.