Washington - The US military has revealed its intention to pursue the development of a new nuclear bomb with a yield exceeding that of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, in August 1945, which marked the conclusion of World War II. According to a Defense Department fact sheet, this new weapon, known as the B61-13, is anticipated to possess a blast yield comparable to the B61-7 bomb, measuring 360 kilotons of TNT. In contrast, the atomic bomb detonated in Hiroshima had a blast yield of 15 kilotons of TNT, making the B61-13 approximately 24 times more potent.

Before the creation of the B61-13 can proceed, it must receive approval and funding from the US Congress. If these requisites are met, the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration will assume responsibility for its manufacturing.

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, John Plumb, emphasized that the announcement is a response to an evolving security landscape and increased threats from potential adversaries. He stated, "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."

This announcement closely follows the release of the Pentagon's Nuclear Posture Review, published about a year ago. The review called for the modernization of the aging US nuclear arsenal, especially in light of China's projected possession of at least 1,000 warheads by 2030. The review emphasized the need to develop a balanced, flexible nuclear stockpile that can adapt to evolving threats and uncertainties.

The B61-13 is expected to be designed to target "harder and larger military targets" when deployed from modern aircraft. It will be constructed using warheads repurposed from older bombs and incorporate modern safety, security, and accuracy features similar to those of the Obama-era B61-12.

While Russia possesses approximately 5,977 nuclear warheads and the US maintains 5,428, according to the Federation of American Scientists, the B61-13 will play a crucial role in enhancing the US's nuclear capabilities.

Top Republican members of the House and Senate Armed Services committees cautiously endorsed the announcement, although they regarded it as only a modest step in the right direction. They stressed that the B61-13 does not represent a long-term solution but would provide increased flexibility for commanders in regions like the Indo-Pacific and Europe.

President Biden had previously campaigned on reducing the global reliance on nuclear weapons, and his administration has aimed for a balanced approach that ensures a secure and credible nuclear deterrent while also working towards a world with fewer nuclear weapons.

The Congressional Budget Office had reported in July that the nation's current nuclear forces were nearing the end of their service life, and some delivery systems may not be capable of further extension. President Biden had also warned of the real threat of Russian President Vladimir Putin employing tactical nuclear weapons.

In a recent Pentagon assessment for Congress, it was revealed that China likely exceeded last year's estimated number of nuclear warheads, emphasizing the evolving nuclear landscape.