U.S. to Begin Early Mass Production of B61-13 Thermonuclear Bombs This May

The United States is expected to begin full-scale production of its latest thermonuclear bomb, the B61-13, later this May—nearly a year ahead of the original schedule. This development was announced by Acting Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Theresa Robbins, during a House Armed Services Committee hearing.

“In addition, NNSA anticipates that the first production unit of the B61-13 modification will be completed later this month, almost a full year ahead of schedule,” said Robbins during the congressional session.

Nuclear Modernization Programs on Track

Robbins also reported that other nuclear weapons programs are progressing as planned:

• The W88 Alteration 370 program—designed for the Trident II submarine-launched ballistic missile system—has maintained 100% on-time delivery to the U.S. Navy. Production is expected to conclude by the end of fiscal year 2025.

• The W80-4 warhead program—intended for the U.S. Air Force’s upcoming long-range cruise missile—is also on schedule. The first production unit is expected in September 2027.

Controversy and Criticism Over B61-13

The decision to proceed with the B61-13 nuclear bomb was made in 2023 under the administration of then-President Joe Biden. However, the move has drawn criticism both domestically and internationally. Experts advocating for global nuclear disarmament, including organizations like the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) and the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), have voiced opposition to the program.