The US will build a new variant of the B61 gravity nuclear bomb - the B61-13 will be a replacement for the B61-7 and will be more powerful than the B61-12

The United States will create a new nuclear bomb. This was officially announced by the Ministry of Defence of the country.

Here's What We Know

The document, which was published on the official website of the Pentagon, indicates that the new gravity nuclear bomb will be designated B61-13. Development will be engaged in the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Nuclear Security Administration.

At the moment, the parameters of the B61-13 are not detailed. However, it is known that the new free-fall nuclear bomb will be a replacement for some modifications of the B61-7 and will have approximately the same power. This means that the B61-13 will be more powerful than the B61-12.

The Pentagon's announcement reflects the changing security environment and growing threats from potential adversaries. This was stated by Assistant Secretary of Defence for Space Policy John Plumb. At the same time, the creation of the B61-13 is not a US response to any particular event.

Note that the B61 thermonuclear bomb is the main type of nuclear weapon of the B-2 Spirit and B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers. It has an adjustable explosive yield. According to public data, the yield ranges from 0.3 kilotons to 3,400 kilotons.

Source: Pentagon