The United States has recently unveiled a new weapon that is 24 times more powerful than the nuclear bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima. This announcement comes at a time when China has revealed its plans to double its warheads by 2030. The development of such powerful weapons has raised concerns about the possibility of a nuclear arms race between the two countries. The international community has called for restraint and dialogue to prevent the escalation of tensions and to ensure global peace and security.
The Pentagon has recently unveiled its intentions to develop a significantly more potent nuclear weapon, surpassing the destructive power of the bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945 by a factor of 24. This proposed weapon, known as the B61-13 nuclear gravity bomb, would be deployed from various aircraft, including the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, a cutting-edge aircraft currently under development with a price tag of $692 million.
The Pentagon has stated that the B61-13 will enhance deterrence against adversaries and provide assurance to allies and partners. This new weapon will offer the President additional options to target specific harder and larger military areas. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, John Plumb, did not explicitly mention China or Russia when discussing this weapon. However, he emphasized that the announcement is a reflection of the changing security environment and the increasing threats posed by potential adversaries.
According to Plumb, the United States has a responsibility to continuously evaluate and deploy the necessary capabilities to effectively deter and respond to strategic attacks, while also assuring its allies. He further stated that the B61-13 is a reasonable measure to address the challenges presented by a highly dynamic security environment. This weapon provides the United States with added flexibility in its defense strategy.
