Amid growing tensions between Israel and Iran and the threat of a future war, the United States has begun developing a new nuclear warhead for the first time in 40 years.
US Department of Energy officials informed Congress that the US is building its first new nuclear warhead in 40 years, but it will not involve a nuclear test.
According to a Senate briefing by Energy Department Secretary Jennifer Granham and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Administrator Jill Hruby, the W93 warhead is used on submarine-launched ballistic missiles. and the $19.8 billion requested by the National Nuclear Security Agency Administration to build it is allocated in the fiscal year 2025 weapons development budget.
“W93” incorporates advanced technologies, including immobilization-insensitive high explosives. Additionally, it will feature improved safety, security and resilience to deal with upcoming threats.
According to reports, the warhead will be lighter than the current W76 and W88 warheads, allowing the missile to have a longer range. The nuclear missile submarine force will be reduced from 14 Ohio-class submarines to 12 Columbia-class missile boats.
According to the two officials, the department is also pursuing modernization efforts for five warhead types, namely the B61-12 Life Extension Program, B61-13, W88, W87, and W80 warheads, for which There is a funding request of $2.84 billion.