Introduction
In October 2023, an announcement surprised many. The Pentagon stated that the U.S. is pursuing a new gravity bomb variation: B61-13.
Gravity bombs are “free-fall” bombs dropped from aircraft with no guidance being followed. Instead of being powered like missiles to a specific target, gravity is what directs the gravity bomb toward the ground. Therefore, it has a larger target or effect on the area intended for it to drop to.
Purpose
The U.S. Defense Department claims that the U.S. is pursuing these nuclear weapons because of a changing security environment and “growing threats from potential adversaries.” However, they have clearly stated that this advancement is not directed in response to any events occurring in 2023. The U.S. already has an entire line of gravity bombs(B61-13 being the thirteenth), and according to the Pentagon Fact sheet, the B61-13 is being pursued to give additional options for the large-area military targets.
Advancements
This gravity bomb is projected to have a maximum yield of 360-kiloton compared to the B61-12 which has a 50-kiloton yield. However, the bomb is going to have control and safety features unlike other gravity bombs created by the U.S. The B61-13 also has an upgraded tail kit to allow it to drop in a straighter projection.
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