"US Unveils Plans for More Advanced B61-13 Nuclear Bomb"

The Pentagon has announced plans to develop a new nuclear bomb, the B61-13, which would offer increased capability against hardened facilities and larger area targets. The bomb would replace some of the B61-7s in the current nuclear stockpile and have a similar yield. The B61-13 would be deliverable by modern aircraft and would strengthen deterrence and assurance for allies. The development of this bomb is dependent on Congressional authorization and appropriation. The announcement suggests that confidence in the abilities of the B61-12, which was expected to replace other variants, was not achieved. The Pentagon's plans may also indicate a new pathway to replacing the B83-1 bomb.