(WatchDogReport.org) – The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has put forth an urgent request for Congress to greenlight the development of an immensely more powerful nuclear bomb — one far exceeding the capabilities of those utilized during World War II. Military officials assert these weapons are essential to safeguard America against escalating global threats.
Military leaders disclosed their intent last week to look into the production of the B61-13 nuclear gravity bomb, a weapon 24 times more potent than the bomb that devastated Hiroshima, Japan, during World War II.
To understand the destructive power the new weapon would possess, one must consider the bomb dropped on Hiroshima, known as the “Little Boy.” This single bomb resulted in tens of thousands of deaths — estimated between 135,000 to 140,000. The blast erupted with the equivalent of roughly 15,000 tons of dynamite. When multiplying that by 24, a solid understanding of the potential of this weapon can be gained.
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy John Plumb highlighted the necessity of the nuclear weapon, emphasizing that it reflects “a changing security environment and growing threats from potential adversaries.”
Republican Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker expressed the seriousness of the situation, saying, “This is as serious of a topic as we will hear about this year.”
On Capitol Hill earlier this month, the Senate Armed Services Committee drew attention to the nation’s nuclear strategy. Leaders from both sides of the aisle voiced concerns about enduring threats from adversaries like Russia, which recently withdrew from a nuclear threat ban treaty, and North Korea, which continues conducting numerous weapons tests.
Just two weeks ago, the National Nuclear Security Administration revealed that an underground chemical explosion was conducted by a team at a test site in Nevada with the aim of enhancing America’s ability to detect nuclear explosions worldwide. With the ongoing drive to upgrade US weaponry, some lawmakers are advocating for the country to be well-prepared.
The Department of Defense maintains that this novel weapon will offer President Biden an alternative for addressing challenging and extensive military objectives while also deterring potential threats from targeting the United States.
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