U.S. Starts Full Production of the B61-13 Nuclear Gravity Bomb 24X Powerful Than Hiroshima Bomb

The U.S. has begun full production of the B61-13 nuclear gravity bomb, which is part of a modernization effort for its nuclear arsenal. This bomb has a variable yield ranging from 10 to 360 kilotons, making it significantly more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima. It’s designed to target hardened and large-area military sites, with updated safety and precision features.

A nuclear gravity bomb is a type of nuclear weapon designed to be dropped from an aircraft and relies solely on gravity to reach its target. Unlike guided missiles or warheads that can be launched from submarines or silos, gravity bombs are free-fall weapons, meaning they are released and descend without any propulsion or guidance.

The B61-13 is a modernized nuclear gravity bomb developed by the U.S. It’s part of the B61 series, which has been in service since the 1960s. This bomb is designed to be more precise and versatile, with a variable yield ranging from 10 to 360 kilotons. To put that into perspective, the bomb dropped on Hiroshima had a yield of about 15 kilotons.

The production of the B61-13 is expected to be completed by 2025, with around 50 units planned. It’s significantly more powerful than earlier versions, such as the B61-12, and is said to be 24 times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

It was in October 2023 when the US Department of Defense announced the development of a new nuclear bomb, pending Congressional authorisation and appropriation. The B61-13 would be a new gravity bomb, of a much higher potential yield than the B61-12, which is currently replacing other versions deployed in Europe.

The B61-13 is intended to target hardened military sites and large areas, making it a strategic weapon. It’s equipped with advanced safety features and delivery options, including air and ground burst capabilities.

This development has sparked debates about nuclear proliferation and the ethical implications of such weapons.