The United States has unexpectedly accelerated its nuclear weapons programme, kickstarting the production of its latest nuclear bomb, the B61-13, a whopping seven months ahead of schedule. This swift move takes place against a backdrop of increasing tensions between the US and global powers such as Russia and China, with President Trump openly acknowledging that the US was treading in 'very dangerous territory' with Iran as 'highest level' discussions are set to unfold.

Boasting an overwhelming maximum yield of 360 kilotons, the B61-13 bomb is no less than 24 times more powerful than the devastating Hiroshima bomb, signalling heightened fears of a possible nuclear conflict, especially since a NATO member has begun strengthening their atomic defence shelters.

In an unsettling turn of events, the latest projections have shone a light on parts of the US that are most at risk from a nuclear strike. Engineers at Sandia National Laboratories have revealed the assembly of the B61-13 bomb while setting "an aggressive set of plans in motion" to push ahead with production at a rapid pace, reports The Express US. 

Their announcement underscored their triumph, stating: "Responding to a critical challenge and urgent need, the B61-13 program used innovative program planning that resulted in projected delivery seven months earlier than expected, a more than 25% reduction in overall time to first production unit."

The team behind the B61-13 bomb has made significant strategic changes to their operations, stating: "The B61-13 team reprioritised qualification activities, planned tests with U.S. Air Force stakeholders and jointly completed requirements with Los Alamos National Laboratory and NNSA (National Nuclear Security Administration)"

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy John Plumb spoke at the 2023 unveiling of the new bomb, emphasising America's role in global security: "The United States has a responsibility to continue to assess and field the capabilities we need to credibly deter and, if necessary, respond to strategic attacks, and assure our allies."

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has set aside £71million ($92 million) for the next four years to fund the bomb's development, with production expected to start in fiscal year 2026.

Designed for deployment by advanced aircraft such as the upcoming B-21 Raider stealth bomber and possibly the outgoing B-2 Spirit, the bomb is a key addition to the US arsenal.

Amidst growing concerns over nuclear conflict, particularly with Russia-Europe tensions and Middle East instability, world leaders are on high alert.

In response to these fears, the US military conducted an extensive military drill in New York this January, preparing troops for a potential World War III situation.