US Accelerates Military Modernization with B61-13 Nuclear Bomb Production and Prompt Global Strike Program

The United States National Nuclear Security Agency (NNSA) has officially announced the commencement of mass production for the upgraded B61-13 gravity nuclear bomb, boasting a formidable yield of 360 kilotons. Production is set to begin in July 2025 and is expected to conclude by 2027. This initiative is part of a comprehensive program aimed at modernizing the US nuclear arsenal, a critical aspect of national security strategy.

With an estimated cost of $30 million per unit, the B61-13 project stands out as one of the most expensive endeavors in the history of the NNSA. The bombs will be manufactured at the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas, a pivotal facility that has been integral to the assembly and maintenance of US nuclear weapons since its establishment in 1975. The development process involves collaboration among experts from six NNSA research centers, including renowned institutions such as Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories, focused on enhancing the warheads’ performance.

The primary objective of the B61-13 upgrade is to bolster the bomb’s accuracy and safety, ensuring its efficacy in addressing contemporary strategic challenges, particularly concerning threats posed by Russia and China. This latest iteration represents the 13th modification of the B61 bomb series, which dates back to the 1960s. The new version is designed to replace the aging B61-7 and B83-1 models, offering increased power and enhanced operational capabilities.

Equipped with an advanced guidance system, the B61-13 is engineered to strike hardened targets with remarkable precision, a feature that has raised alarms among Russian officials. As the US moves forward with this modernization effort, the implications for global security dynamics and international relations remain significant, reflecting the ongoing evolution of nuclear deterrence strategies.

In tandem with nuclear modernization, the Pentagon has awarded Lockheed Martin Space over $1 billion to develop weapons under the Prompt Global Strike program. Announced on May 30, 2025, this initiative aims to create high-precision non-nuclear weapons capable of reaching any target on the planet within one hour. This contract represents a key stage in the implementation of a military program designed to provide the US with the ability to respond instantly to threats without resorting to nuclear options. The focus on hypersonic technologies, enabling warheads to be delivered at speeds exceeding Mach 5, signals a significant shift in military capabilities.

The Prompt Global Strike program, which began in the 2000s, runs parallel to other modernization efforts, including the development of the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) to replace aging systems. Experts warn that the rapid advancement of these weapon systems could alter the global balance of power, allowing the US to strike strategic targets with minimal warning, raising concerns in nations like Russia and China. As these countries also develop their hypersonic technologies, the race for speed and precision in military capabilities is intensifying, further complicating international relations.