U.S. officials are seeking congressional approval for the development of a new nuclear weapon, estimated to be 24 times more powerful than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima during World War II. The Department of Defense (DOD) is proposing the manufacture of the B61-13 nuclear gravity bomb, which would have a maximum yield of 360 kilotons. Hans Kristensen, a nuclear weapons expert, revealed that the bomb would use the same warheads from the B61-7 bombs produced in the 1980s and 1990s. The new bomb could be dropped by modern aircraft and would provide the military with additional options against larger military targets. However, it is emphasized that the production of the B61-13 would not increase the overall number of nuclear weapons in the U.S. stockpile.
House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers and Senator Roger Wicker expressed support for the proposed weapon, citing the need for flexibility. They warned, however, that incremental changes are insufficient to address the ongoing arms race with China and Russia, urging a more comprehensive transformation of the U.S. deterrent posture.
The proposal for a more powerful nuclear weapon comes at a period of heightened tensions in the Middle East due to the Israel-Hamas war and the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine. Recent actions by Russia, including the possible withdrawal from the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, have further raised concerns. The Department of Energy recently conducted an explosion test at the Nevada nuclear test site to assess the military’s ability to detect low-yield nuclear explosions.
The Pentagon asserts that the proposed development of the B61-13 is not a response to recent world events but rather reflects an ongoing assessment of the changing security environment. Currently, the United States has approximately 5,200 nuclear weapons in its arsenal, while Russia possesses about 5,900. Russia has maintained a moratorium on nuclear testing but has suggested that this could change if the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty is revoked.
A recent Pentagon report warned that the Chinese Communist Party has accumulated over 500 nuclear warheads, with indications of preparations to unify Taiwan with mainland China by force if necessary. This follows increased military activities near Taiwan by the Chinese military.
Overall, the proposal for a more powerful nuclear weapon highlights the evolving security environment and growing threats. It also underscores the need for the United States to assess and field the necessary capabilities to deter and respond to strategic attacks while assuring its allies.