The United States launches full-scale production of the upgraded B61-13 nuclear aerial bomb

B61-13 nuclear aerial bomb

The United States has announced the start of full-scale production of the upgraded B61-13 nuclear aerial bomb, which will start in July 2025. This was announced by the US National Nuclear Safety Agency (NNSA). The new version of the aerial bomb has a capacity of up to 360 kilotons, making it one of the most powerful warheads in the American nuclear arsenal.

The B61-13 is an upgrade of the previous variants of the B61 family, which were developed during the Cold War and have been updated several times since. The main improvements include increased accuracy thanks to a modern guided tail unit, as well as increased explosive power, which effectively hits fortified and large military installations.

Production of the B61-13 is proceeding at high speed — the first munition was assembled almost a year ahead of schedule. This demonstrates the priority of the US nuclear arsenal modernization program in the face of deteriorating global security and growing nuclear threats from Russia, China and North Korea.

The new aerial bomb will be used by the US strategic aviation and deployed at bases in the continental part of the country. At the same time, the number of warheads in the arsenal will not increase, as the B61-13 will replace outdated models, while providing enhanced deterrence capabilities.

Senior representatives of the Department of Energy and the National Agency for Nuclear Safety emphasize that the modernization of nuclear weapons is necessary to maintain the technological superiority and security of the United States, as well as to provide the president with additional options in the field of strategic deterrence.