The US is currently developing a new nuclear bomb that is 24 times more powerful than the one dropped on Japan during World War II. The bomb, known as the B61-13, is being developed by the US Defense Department as a deterrent against threats from nuclear-armed competitors such as Russia and China. The new bomb will have a similar yield to its predecessor, the B61-7, with a maximum load of 360 kilotons, making it 24 times more powerful than the Hiroshima bomb and 14 times larger than the Nagasaki bomb. It will also incorporate modern safety, security, and accuracy features. The production of the B61-13 will replace some of the B61-7s in the US weapons stockpile, but it will not increase the overall number of weapons. The bomb will be able to be delivered by modern aircraft. The development of the B61-13 is seen as a compromise to resolve a disagreement between Republicans and Democrats over the B83-1 bomb, which is the last of its kind in the US arsenal. The B83-1 has 80 times the force of the Hiroshima bomb and has been a subject of debate regarding its future. The US currently has between 400 and 500 gravity bombs in its arsenal. Some US senators have welcomed the development of the B61-13, stating that it is a necessary step for the US to keep up with China and Russia in the nuclear arms race. Recent high-explosive experiments conducted by the US have aimed to advance technology in support of nonproliferation goals and improve detection of underground nuclear explosive tests.
US Developing New Nuclear Weapon to Counter Russian and Chinese Threat: ‘Gravity Bomb’ 24 Times Stronger Than Hiroshima
