U.S. Building New Nuclear Warhead to Counter Growing Threats

During the 1980s, President Ronald Reagan stated that his personal mission was to help create a world free of nuclear weapons.

The Strategic Arms Reduction Talks (START) involved discussions between America and the then-Soviet Union to move in this direction.

Over time, however, more countries developed nuclear bomb capabilities. Including China, France, the UK, Pakistan, India, Israel, and North Korea.

Realizing these weapons are not going away – and that deterrence through strength is the only hope – the U.S. announced last week it is building its first new nuclear warhead in four decades.

North Korea, Russia, Iran at Top of List 

Several countries have recklessly made threats to use nuclear weapons recently.

North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong Un has been doing this on a regular basis the past few years. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened to use nuclear weapons against Ukraine. As well as Western countries that get involved in Ukraine’s defense.

And Iranian leader Ali Khamenei would love nothing better than to acquire a nuclear weapon. To threaten Israel and the U.S.

No Nuclear Testing Needed 

America’s new nuclear warhead was already in the feasibility and design phase prior to the announcement. But now the U.S. will speed up the work. 

The W93 nuclear warhead is being designed for submarine-launched missiles. It is expected to be in production by the mid-2030s. The U.S. Energy Department assured Congress last week that work on the new warhead will not involve testing.

That’s because all nuclear components will be based on previously tested and currently deployed nuclear designs. 

The budget for the new nuclear warhead is $19.8 billion. It was requested by the National Nuclear Security Agency (NNSA).

More on this warhead in a moment. First, though, let’s take a closer look at some of the nuclear threats the U.S. faces. 

Putin Threatens the West

In late February, Putin sent a warning to Western countries. Including America. He reiterated that they risk a nuclear attack. That’s if they send troops to fight against Russia in Ukraine.

“(Western nations) must realize that we also have weapons that can hit targets on their territory,” Putin said. “All this really threatens a conflict with the use of nuclear weapons and the destruction of civilization. Don’t they get that?

“Strategic nuclear forces are in a state of full readiness,” he added. He suggested Western politicians recall the fate of those who invaded Russia in the past. Including Adolf Hitler and Napoleon Bonaparte. 

Putin’s comment ignores the fact that a full-scale nuclear war between the U.S. and Russia would be devastating. It would kill an estimated 5 billion people worldwide within two years.

Keeping an Eye on Kim Jong Un

North Korea has already proven its willingness to start hostilities. Including armed incursions against South Korea in the demilitarized zone.

Plus attempts to assassinate the South Korean president. And the bombing of a South Korean civilian airliner. Not to mention the seizing of the USS Pueblo. 

Multiple missile-launch tests have kept the entire region on edge. Many experts believe that if China were not holding Kim Jong Un in check, he would become even more provocative. 

North Korea’s leader understands a nuclear war with the U.S. would not end well for his country. But he has also proven the welfare of his people means nothing to him. 

Khamenei’s Intentions Are Clear 

A more likely scenario for the use of North Korea’s growing nuclear capabilities is a sale to Iran. Again, China could stand in the way. But there is no guarantee.

Former U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton said, “I think Iran could be a nuclear threat within about 72 hours if it simply wires the appropriate amount of purchase money to the central bank of North Korea.”

Current hostilities between Israel and Iran have once again raised the issue of Iran’s capabilities. And its willingness to launch a regional war.

Khamenei has made no secret of his desire to wipe Israel off the map. The entire region is convinced of his sincerity. Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates participated in Israel’s defense from Iran’s recent missile and drone attack.  

Submarines Will Carry New Weapon 

As promised, here’s more information about that new warhead the U.S. is developing. As well as other weapons. 

Pentagon officials say their top priority is nuclear forces modernization. And the linchpin of U.S. strategic nuclear forces is the Navy’s nuclear-missile submarines.

The W93 “will allow the U.S. to keep pace with future adversary threats.” Among the weapon’s modern technologies will be insensitive high explosives used for triggering. 

As well as improved safety, security, and flexibility. It will be lighter in weight than the current W76 and W88 warheads. This will allow for greater missile ranges. 

Other Weapons in the Mix 

In addition, five other warhead types are being modernized by the U.S. They include the B61-12 life extension program and the B61-13. Plus the W88, W87, and W80 warheads. 

A newer variant of the B61 nuclear gravity bomb dropped by aircraft will be built by next year. 

Another nuclear submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM-N) is not in the current budget. But it is expected to be armed with the W80 warhead.

It is also anticipated that the W80 will be used on new air-launched, long-range missiles employed by the Air Force. 

We live in a scary, volatile world. We can’t change that fact. But we can do what it takes to protect ourselves and families through our preparedness.