U.S. Developing Powerful Nuclear Bomb Raises Concerns Amidst Global Tensions
In a significant development, the U.S. Department of Defense has confirmed the development of a new version of the B61 nuclear gravity bomb, known as the B61-13. This powerful nuclear weapon, currently under construction at a U.S. military center, has raised concerns globally, particularly in relation to potential threats posed to Russia and China.
The B61-13, an advanced iteration of the B61-7 version, is exceptionally potent with a maximum weight of 360 kilotons. To put this into perspective, it is a staggering 24 times more powerful than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima and 14 times larger than the one used in Nagasaki back in 1945. Military sources have disclosed that this new model incorporates not only the immense power of its predecessors but also integrates modern safety and accuracy features, including those from the earlier B61-12 version.
One notable aspect of this development is the U.S. Department of Defense’s intention to deploy the B61-13 as a strategic response to perceived threats from its principal nuclear adversaries, China and Russia. The weapon will be carried by aircraft equipped with cutting-edge facilities, enhancing its deployment capabilities.
It’s worth noting that former President Barack Obama had previously rejected the notion of developing new nuclear weapons. However, his successor, Donald Trump, reversed this decision, leading to the current situation. President Joe Biden, upon assuming office, faced challenges in revising this policy due to opposition from some Republican lawmakers. Nonetheless, the decision to proceed with the development of the B61-13 has been met with approval from certain U.S. senators.
While the U.S. government asserts that these developments are part of national security measures, the global community remains concerned about the implications, particularly in the context of heightened international tensions. The new nuclear weapon undeniably presents a significant geopolitical concern, raising questions about the delicate balance of power among nations.
