Pentagon seeks new powerful nuclear weapon.
The Department of Defense Pursues Development of Powerful Nuclear Bomb
The Department of Defense (DOD) has announced its intention to create a nuclear bomb that surpasses the destructive power of the weapons used during World War II. The Pentagon is seeking congressional approval to manufacture an updated version of the B61 nuclear gravity bomb, known as the B61-13.
“Today’s announcement is reflective of a changing security environment and growing threats from potential adversaries,” said Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy John Plumb. “The United States has a responsibility to continue to assess and field the capabilities we need to credibly deter and, if necessary, respond to strategic attacks, and assure our allies.”
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According to Defense Post, the B61-13 bomb would be approximately 24 times more powerful than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, with a yield of 350 kilotons of TNT. The bomb will utilize warheads from the B61-7 bombs produced in the 1980s and 1990s.
The new B61 bomb will be compatible with modern aircraft, providing the U.S. military with additional options against challenging military targets.
“The B61-13 represents a reasonable step to manage the challenges of a highly dynamic security environment,” stated Mr. Plumb. “While it provides us with additional flexibility, production of the B61-13 will not increase the overall number of weapons in our nuclear stockpile.”
House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) and Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) acknowledged the benefits of the proposed nuclear weapon in terms of flexibility but cautioned that it should not be viewed as a long-term solution.
“As the Strategic Posture Commission recently noted, China and Russia are in a full-on arms race, and the US is running in place. Dramatic transformation of our deterrent posture—not incremental or piecemeal changes—is required to address this threat,” they said last week.
Heightened Tensions
The decision to pursue the development of the B61-13 comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East due to the Israel–Hamas war and ongoing conflicts in eastern Ukraine. The move is not directly related to these events, according to the Pentagon.
Furthermore, the Department of Energy recently conducted an explosion test at the Nevada nuclear test site to evaluate the military’s ability to detect low-yield nuclear explosions.
“The experiment will help validate new predictive explosion models and detection algorithms,” stated the Energy Department. ”Measurements were collected using accelerometers, seismometers, infrasound sensors, electromagnetic sensors, chemical and radiotracer samplers, and meteorological sensors.”
The United States currently possesses approximately 5,200 nuclear weapons, while Russia has around 5,900. However, both countries had significantly larger stockpiles during the Cold War.
Amidst these developments, a new Pentagon report reveals that China has amassed over 500 nuclear warheads, increasing its stockpile by about 100 since 2021. The report also highlights China’s preparations for a potential military action to unify Taiwan with the mainland.
What role does the increased destructive power of the B61-13 bomb play in maintaining deterrence and ensuring the security of the United States and its allies?
Y and capability, it does not change our fundamental policy of maintaining a safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrent. This modernized bomb will only be used in extreme circumstances to deter any potential adversary from initiating a strategic attack against the United States or its allies.”
The announcement of the development of a more powerful nuclear bomb by the Department of Defense comes at a time of increased tension and evolving security threats around the world. The United States faces growing challenges from potential adversaries who possess nuclear capabilities or are actively seeking to acquire them. In this changing security landscape, it is essential for the United States to continue evaluating its defense capabilities and ensure it is equipped to credibly deter and respond to strategic attacks.
The B61-13 bomb represents an important advancement in the United States’ nuclear arsenal. Its increased destructive power will provide the U.S. military with added flexibility in targeting challenging military objectives. This capability is crucial in maintaining deterrence and ensuring the security of the United States and its allies. By pursuing the development of this bomb, the Department of Defense is reaffirming its commitment to national security and the defense of its interests.
It is important to note that the development of the B61-13 bomb does not signify a departure from the United States’ nuclear policy. The bomb will only be used under extreme circumstances and as a deterrent against potential strategic attacks. This approach is consistent with the United States’ long-standing policy of maintaining a safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrent.
However, the pursuit of a more powerful nuclear bomb also raises concerns and debates. Critics argue that the development of such weapons undermines international efforts towards non-proliferation and disarmament. They argue that relying on the threat of nuclear weapons escalates tensions and increases the risk of nuclear conflict. Conversely, proponents argue that a strong and credible nuclear deterrent is necessary to prevent potential adversaries from engaging in aggression or attacking U.S. interests.
The Department of Defense is committed to addressing these concerns and ensuring transparency in its nuclear programs. It acknowledges the importance of international cooperation and dialogue in advancing non-proliferation efforts. The U.S. government remains fully committed to its existing non-proliferation obligations and will engage with international partners to foster arms control and disarmament initiatives.
In conclusion, the Department of Defense’s pursuit of the development of a more powerful nuclear bomb is a response to the changing security environment and growing threats faced by the United States. The B61-13 bomb, if approved and manufactured, will provide the U.S. military with enhanced capabilities to deter and respond to strategic attacks. While this development raises concerns, the Department of Defense maintains its commitment to international non-proliferation efforts and will continue engaging with the global community to foster arms control and disarmament initiatives.
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