The US Department of Defense has announced plans to introduce a new variant of the gravity bomb into its arsenal. The bomb, called the B61-13, is a modification of the existing B61 model that was first introduced in the 1960s. The production of the new bomb will be subject to Congressional authorization and appropriation, according to a statement from the Department of Defense.
The previous model, the B61-12, has various capabilities including earth-penetrating attacks, low-yield and high-yield attacks, above surface detonation, and bunker-buster options. The development of the B61-13 is said to be in response to a "changing security environment" rather than any specific event.
This announcement comes shortly after the US issued a worldwide caution travel advisory due to increased tensions and the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against US citizens and interests. The advisory urges US citizens overseas to exercise increased caution.
The US last issued a worldwide caution alert in August 2022 following the killing of al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri. The current climate, according to Todd Brown, a retired senior State Department official, is described as surpassing anything seen before and has the potential to worsen.
In summary, the US Department of Defense has revealed plans to develop a new variant of the gravity bomb, known as the B61-13. This decision is a response to the changing security environment and is not tied to any specific event. The US also recently issued a worldwide caution travel advisory due to increased tensions and the potential for terrorist attacks. The situation is being closely monitored, with concerns that it could further escalate.