US accelerates production of new B61-13 nuclear warhead
(NewsNation) — The United States military is ramping up production of a new nuclear warhead as Department of Defense officials point to an urgent need to deter threats and modernize the military's nuclear arsenal.
The production of the B61-13, which surpasses the capabilities of bombs employed during World War II, is driven by escalating global tensions with nations like Russia and China.
Sandia National Laboratories is collaborating with the U.S. Air Force and other agencies to cut production time by more than 25%, putting the project seven months ahead of schedule.
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The B61-13 is a gravity nuclear bomb with a 360-kiloton yield, according to the Federation of American Scientists. Its explosive force is 24 times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima during World War II.
While the B61-13's potential impact is devastating, Russia's RS-28 Sarmat carries warheads twice as destructive, and China's DF-41 can target multiple locations simultaneously.
Unlike Russian and Chinese missile-based warheads, the B61-13 will be aircraft-delivered, initially from the stealthy B2 bomber and later from the B-21 Raider, expected by 2030.
Officials stress the B61-13 replaces older models without increasing the United States' total nuclear weapon numbers — but it represents a critical upgrade at an increasingly dangerous time.
The production aligns with America's nuclear posture review, highlighting a continued commitment to deterrence amid evolving global threats.
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Production of the bomb was first initiated under the Biden administration.
In 2023, the Biden administration justified the project by arguing it would 'replace all other nuclear gravity bombs,' according to FAS.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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