The B61-13 Nuclear Bomb: A New Addition To The U.S. Arsenal

The new nuclear gravity bomb being developed under the administration of President Joe Biden is orders of magnitude less powerful than the biggest bombs in history. The Pentagon has recently announced its work on the B61-13, a modern variant of the nuclear weapons that date back to the 1960s. With a maximum explosive yield estimated at 360 kilotons, this warhead is among the most powerful in the current U.S. arsenal. However, its destructive capacity is significantly less than that of historical nuclear bombs, which raises important considerations about its implications for national security and global stability.

A detailed simulation created using Nukemap, an online tool developed by historian Alex Wellerstein, reveals alarming potential consequences of a hypothetical B61-3 explosion in New York City. The simulation suggests that such an explosion could devastate a large portion of Manhattan, resulting in over 778,000 fatalities and injuring more than 1 million individuals. The intense heat of the fireball generated by the explosion would vaporize people and structures within a half-mile radius, leaving behind a catastrophic scene of destruction.

Despite its capabilities, the B61-13 pales in comparison to the most potent nuclear weapons ever tested. For instance, the TX-21 "Shrimp" bomb unleashed a staggering 15 megatons during the "Castle Bravo" test in 1954, showcasing the vast difference in explosive power between historical models and contemporary developments. As we analyze the B61-13's place within the U.S. nuclear arsenal, it becomes crucial to understand both its strategic role and the historical context that shapes current military policies.