The United States is set to begin production of its newest thermonuclear gravity bomb variant, the B61-13, next month. This development comes as part of the country’s efforts to modernize its nuclear arsenal. The B61-13 will be a modification of the existing B61 warheads, which have been in production since 1968. The updated version will feature newer electronics and control features, including a tail kit that transforms it into a guided munition.
According to the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), the B61-13 will have a maximum yield of around 360 kilotons, which is 24 times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima. NNSA acting head Teresa Robbins informed Congress that the first production unit is expected to be ready later this month, almost a full year ahead of schedule. Full-scale production is anticipated to commence later in the 2025 financial year.
Robbins emphasized that the B61-13 “strengthens deterrence and assurance by providing the President with additional options against certain harder and large-area military targets.” This development is part of a broader effort by the US to enhance its nuclear capabilities. In January, the US began deploying an earlier variant of the bomb, the B61-12, at its bases in Europe.
Interestingly, US President Donald Trump has previously expressed concerns about the existential threat posed by nuclear weapons. Earlier this year, he called for nuclear powers to abandon their nuclear weapons, stating that “it would be great if we could all denuclearize, because the power of nuclear weapons is crazy.” Despite this, the US has continued to invest in its nuclear arsenal, prompting criticism from other nations.
The US decision to produce the B61-13 has significant implications for global security. The move has been met with concern from Russia, which has revised its nuclear doctrine in response to the US’s actions. Moscow has lowered its acceptable threshold for the use of nuclear weapons, stating that any attack on Russia by a non-nuclear-armed state backed by a nuclear one will be treated as a direct attack, allowing for retaliation with nuclear force.
The production of the B61-13 is a notable development in the ongoing debate about nuclear weapons and global security. As the world grapples with the challenges posed by these powerful arms, the US’s decision to invest in its nuclear arsenal is likely to have far-reaching consequences. With the first production unit expected to be ready soon, the international community will be watching closely to see how this development unfolds.
