The United States is sending a clear “strategic message” to Russia and China with the creation of a new set of incredibly powerful nuclear weapons.
The Pentagon is seeking approval and funding from Congress to work on a new variant of the B61 nuclear gravity bomb codenamed B61-13.
The Department of Defense (DoD) said the creation of the bombs – said to be 24 times as powerful as the weapon that destroyed Hiroshima – is “reflective of a changing security environment”.
Former US Army intelligence analyst Kervin Aucoin told Daily Express US the pursuit of new nuclear military tech shows Washington’s “willingness” to respond to threats.
Aucoin said: “The development of advanced weaponry, such as the B61-13 nuclear gravity bomb, serves as a strategic signal to a broader international audience, including what is commonly referred to as the ‘Global South’.
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“It underscores the United States’ steadfast commitment to its foreign defense strategy and reaffirms its role as a key player in global security affairs.
“These developments convey the message that the US is dedicated to enhancing its capabilities as needed to address evolving security challenges and maintain a strong deterrent posture.”
He continued: “This communicates a profound sense of responsibility on the part of the United States, not only in safeguarding its own national security but also in ensuring the security of its allies.
“It signifies the United States’ willingness and preparedness to respond effectively to potential threats, underlining its pivotal role in promoting global stability and deterring aggressors.
“In essence, the development of advanced weaponry is a reflection of the United States’ enduring commitment to its defense and security obligations on the international stage, and its readiness to adapt to emerging security dynamics.”
The DoD said the new B61-13 would have a similar 360-kiloton yield to its B61-7 predecessor – 24 times larger than the bombs dropped on Japan in 1945.
The new version of the bomb will also be 145 times larger than the Nagasaki bomb.
The department also confirmed the new bomb “will include the modern safety, security and accuracy features of the B61-12”.
The DoD’s announcement comes at a time of heightened tensions across the world, from the ongoing war in Ukraine to the early phases of Israel’s ground invasion of Gaza last week.
President Joe Biden has pushed for support to both Ukraine and Israel as they continue their fights, while at the same time pursuing a deterrence strategy to keep China from going forward with Xi Jinping’s plans for the invasion of Taiwan.
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