[News Terms] 'B61-13' Produced to Strengthen Nuclear Deterrence

'B61-13' is a tactical nuclear bomb that the U.S. Department of Defense plans to newly produce by upgrading the existing nuclear gravity bombs.

The U.S. main strategic and tactical nuclear bombs are operated by upgrading the 'B61' series developed in 1968, with the latest model being the strategic and tactical nuclear bomb 'B61-12.' The B61 series can adjust its yield from 0.3kt (kilotons) to 240kt, and the detonation timing of the warhead can also be freely specified.

An F-16 fighter jet equipped with various weapons taking off.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

The power of a nuclear bomb is converted into the amount of energy released by the explosion of a certain weight of TNT; 1kt represents the power of 1,000 tons of TNT, and 1Mt (megatons) indicates the power equivalent to the explosion of 1 million tons of TNT. During World War II, the yield of Little Boy dropped on Hiroshima was about 16kt, and Fat Man dropped on Nagasaki was about 21kt.

The B61 series includes two types of strategic nuclear bombs, B61-7 and B61-11; B61-12 is shared as a strategic and tactical nuclear bomb, and the rest are all tactical nuclear bombs. Currently operated series include five types: B61-3, B61-4, B61-7, B61-11, and B61-12.

B61-11 is a 1,200-pound (540 kg) bunker buster produced in 1997. It can be mounted on strategic bombers such as the B-52, B-1, B-2, as well as fighters like the F-16 and FA-18.

The latest model, B61-12, includes advanced radar, GPS, and various safety and security features. It was upgraded to be mounted on the 5th generation stealth fighter F-35 and is a smart nuclear bomb that can adjust its explosive power from 0.3 to 50kt to reduce collateral damage, capable of striking targets deep inside tunnels as a bunker buster.

On the 27th (local time), the U.S. Department of Defense announced plans to produce the tactical nuclear bomb 'B61-13' to strengthen nuclear deterrence. John Plumb, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, stated in a press release, "The United States has the responsibility to continuously assess and deploy the capabilities necessary to reliably deter strategic attacks, respond if necessary, and reassure allies."

The U.S. Department of Defense explained, "B61-13 will be delivered by modern aircraft," adding, "B61-13 will enhance deterrence against adversaries by providing the President with additional options for difficult and wide-ranging specific military targets." After congressional and budgetary approval, the National Nuclear Security Administration plans to produce B61-13 using the existing B61-12 production line.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.