The US is producing a new nuclear warhead after years: 'It will ensure the country keeps pace with future enemy threats'
For the first time in years, the US has embarked on producing a new nuclear warhead. The warhead, currently in the initial design phase at the Los Alamos National Laboratory—the main hub of the Manhattan Project where the first nuclear bombs were produced during World War II—will be used in ballistic missiles launched from submarines.
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According to the Washington Times, US Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm and NNSA Administrator Jill Hruby stated in their testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee that the warhead is being produced using the 19.8 billion dollar fund requested by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) for the 2025 fiscal year.
The warhead, known as the W93, which is in the initial design phase at the Los Alamos National Laboratory—the main hub of the Manhattan Project where the first nuclear bombs were produced during World War II—will be used in ballistic missiles launched from submarines.
As reported by Independent Türkçe, officials noted that production of the warhead is scheduled to begin in the mid-2030s.
"THE US WILL KEEP PACE WITH ENEMY THREATS"
On its website, the NNSA states, "The W93 is a new program created to meet requirements set by the [Department of Defense]. The Navy's ballistic missile submarine force is the most survivable leg of the Triad and is currently equipped with two types of warheads: the W76 and the W88. These warheads make up approximately two-thirds of the total deployed US force. The W93 will reduce the current over-reliance on the W76 system and will ensure the US keeps pace with future enemy threats."
"All W93 vital nuclear components will be based on currently deployed and/or previously tested nuclear designs, as well as extensive stockpile component and material experience. However, the W93 will also incorporate modern technologies that will increase safety and security as well as resilience against future threats, and will be designed for ease of production, maintenance, and certification."
"A NEW WARHEAD PROGRAM"
Officials said the Department of Energy will also update 5 existing warheads using funding from a 2.84 billion dollar request. These warheads include the B61, a nuclear gravity bomb dropped from aircraft. The updated version will be completed by 2025.
Granholm and Hruby stated, "The W93 is a new warhead program based on existing designs that will not require new underground nuclear explosive testing."
Officials added, "The W93 will meet the Department of Defense's requirements to increase the operational effectiveness of the US ballistic missile submarine force."