Vantage | Will America's 'most powerful nuclear bomb' start a new arms race?

The year 1945 marked a turning point in world history when the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II causing catastrophic devastation. Now, in the present day, the US Department of Defense has released a statement outlining its plans to build a new nuclear bomb – the B61-13.

B61-13: A powerful weapon The B61-13 is poised to become one of the largest and most potent nuclear bombs in America’s arsenal with a yield of 360 kilotonnes. To put this into perspective, it is estimated to be 24 times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima and 14 times more potent than the one used on Nagasaki during World War II. This upgrade will also incorporate modernised safety, security and accuracy features allowing for more strategic and targetted attacks. History of B61 The B61 is a nuclear gravity bomb that has been in service since 1968 with various versions developed over the years. The most recent version, B61-12, was produced in 2020. The proposal to create the B61-13 represents a significant advancement in terms of both yield and capabilities. However, it is awaiting congressional approval and funding. Efficiency and controversy The Pentagon’s plan involves replacing some of its largest and most powerful bombs like the B61-7S and B83-1S with the B61-13. This move is seen as a cost-effective strategy as it won’t increase America’s nuclear stockpile. Nevertheless, it has sparked controversy due to its high-yield potential. Critics argue that the increased destructive power could lead to unintended collateral damage and escalate international tensions. The estimated cost of building the B61-13 is approximately $10 billion. Changing security environment and growing threats According to the US Department of Defense, the decision to pursue the B61-13 is driven by a changing security environment and growing threats from potential adversaries. While not explicitly mentioned in the statement, the main adversaries are believed to be Russia and China, both of whom have significant nuclear arsenals. Nuclear arms race Russia is reported to possess 4,489 nuclear weapons, followed by the United States with 3,708 and China with 410. Recent reports indicate that all three nations have been expanding their nuclear capabilities including building new facilities and tunnels at their nuclear test sites. This escalating nuclear arms race has raised concerns about global security and stability. While the efficiency of replacing older bombs with a more powerful one is apparent, the controversies and potential risks associated with the B61-13 cannot be ignored. As tensions continue to rise on the global stage, the world watches with apprehension to see whether this decision will contribute to a safer or more perilous future. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.