Development of nuclear bomb 24 times more powerful than Hiroshima's is 'significantly ahead of schedule'

The progress of a nuclear bomb project that aims to be 24 times more powerful than the one that was used in Hiroshima during World War II is reportedly moving forward faster than anticipated, as confirmed by U.S. national security officials.

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is on track to finalize the First Production Unit of the B61-13, an updated version of the B61 nuclear gravity bomb, within this fiscal year, which is notably ahead of the original schedule, as stated by an NNSA representative to Fox News.

As part of the initiative to enhance and ensure the effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear arsenal, the B61-13 is one of seven programs dedicated to modernizing warheads and expanding capabilities to target more challenging military objectives, as highlighted by the spokesperson. To expedite the deployment of this weapon, the NNSA has utilized manufacturing methods developed during the B61-12 program, which concluded with the final unit produced in 2024, and introduced various technical advancements to streamline the manufacturing process.

“Their creativity in system qualification put an aggressive set of plans in motion to meet stakeholder expectations,” Sandia National Laboratories said. 

The statement comes a day after President Donald Trump’s nominee for NNSA administration, former Rep. Brandon Williams, faced off with senators during his confirmation hearing. 

Williams testifies before the Senate

NNSA administrator nominee Brandon Williams testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.  (Handout)

Williams notably testified that he would not advise the resumption of nuclear detonation tests last conducted in the United States in 1992. He said the ultimate decision would be “above my paygrade” but that he would not recommend tests and instead preferred to rely on “scientific information,” such as computer modeling done at NNSA laboratories based on data gathered from nonnuclear detonation tests. 

His response came during a line of questioning by Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., who cited how “millions of people and acres of land were contaminated by radiation” during nuclear detonation testing conducted in her home state during the Cold War.

You May Also Like
Mother of 4 falls to her death while hiking at state park with her kids

Tragic accident: A mother of four dies in a state park while hiking with her children

A mother of four died on Wednesday after falling from a steep…
Illegal immigrant headed to prison for Las Vegas showgirl murder had criminal record in sanctuary state

A person who entered the country illegally is going to jail for killing a Las Vegas showgirl and had a previous criminal record in a sanctuary state.

An illegal immigrant from Guatemala will serve two consecutive life sentences for…
Michelle Obama Reveals Why She Skipped Trump’s Inauguration – and It’s As Self-Absorbed As You’d Imagine

Reasons Michelle Obama Skipped Trump’s Inauguration – It’s Just Like You’d Think

Michelle Obama finally revealed why she failed to attend President Trump’s second…
Time100 Gala 2025 red carpet: See all the celebrity looks

View the celebrity fashion at the 2025 Time100 Gala red carpet

The 2025 TIME100 gala celebrates 100 people who are shaping the future…
Tutor Christina Formella charged for sexually abusing teen student at Downers Grove South HS, police say

Man faces aggravated assault charges for attempting to set co-worker on fire using Lysol flamethrower in Tomball, Texas

A man in Tomball, Texas, has been arrested for trying to set…
Coequal Branches? It’s Time for Trump to Stick It to the Judiciary

Is it Time for Trump to Challenge the Judiciary as Equal Branches of Government?

I’m not talking about packing the court or lawlessness across the country,…
Trump’s goodwill tested as Putin ignores peace efforts during Witkoff's visit

Putin’s disregard for peace efforts poses a challenge to Trump during Witkoff’s visit

President Donald Trump’s patience is being tested by Russian President Vladimir Putin,…
TIME100 Gala held in New York City to celebrate is most influential people of 2025

Celebration in New York City for the Most Influential People of 2025 at TIME100 Gala

NEW YORK CITY — It was a star-studded night in New York…
Luigi Mangione heads to federal court as DOJ debuts death penalty 'shift': ex-federal prosecutor

Luigi Mangione Appears in Federal Court as Department of Justice Changes Stance on Death Penalty: Former Federal Prosecutor

Luigi Mangione is set to appear in federal court on Friday afternoon…
Donald Trump pardons glamorous gun-toting Nevada Republican convicted of using funds raised to honor a slain officer for plastic surgery

Donald Trump granted clemency to a Nevada Republican who misused charity funds for personal use.

Michele Fiore, a Nevada Republican figure, was pardoned by President Donald Trump…
How 17-year-old Logan Hall contributed his graphic design skills to new ABC News Studios documentary

“Teen Graphic Designer Logan Hall Contributes Expertise to ABC News Studios Documentary”

NEW YORK — A new documentary by ABC News Studios, “Unleashing Hope,”…
Arbor Day 2025: Morton Arboretum helps students plant trees at Ted Lenart Regional Gifted Center in West Chatham, Chicago

Morton Arboretum supports tree planting with students at Ted Lenart Regional Gifted Center in West Chatham, Chicago for Arbor Day 2025

CHICAGO (WLS) — Some students in the city’s West Chatham neighborhood rolled…