New US Nuke 24X Stronger Than Hiroshima Bomb Raises Concerns About Potential Devastation
The United States Department of Defense (DoD) announced the development of a new nuclear bomb known as the B61-12, which is reportedly 24 times more powerful than the devastating Hiroshima bomb. This revelation has sparked concerns among experts, particularly due to the bomb’s potential impact on Moscow, the capital of Russia.
According to Alex Wellerstein, a historian of science and nuclear technology, the B61-12 bomb could cause enormous destruction if dropped on Moscow. Using the online tool Nukemap, it was estimated that the bomb, with a maximum yield of 360 kilotons of TNT, would obliterate everything within a half-mile radius and likely result in the deaths of around 311,000 people. Additionally, thousands more would face fatal consequences due to exposure to harmful chemicals within a two-mile radius of the blast.
The dire consequences extend beyond immediate casualties. Nukemap suggests that approximately 15% of survivors would succumb to cancer later in life, while the number of injuries would reach a staggering 868,860. The potential devastation in St Petersburg is even greater, with an estimated death toll of 360,150 and an additional 685,930 injured individuals.
These alarming figures have raised concerns among experts and sparked debate about the changing security environment and growing threats from potential adversaries. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, John Plumb, emphasized the importance of assessing and deploying the necessary capabilities to deter and respond to strategic attacks while also ensuring the security of allies.
It is crucial to note that the development of this powerful nuclear bomb comes at a time when tensions between the United States and Russia have been escalating. Russia recently signed into law their withdrawal from the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), a global treaty that prohibits nuclear weapon tests. This decision further adds to the geopolitical complexities surrounding nuclear weaponry and raises concerns about the potential for future conflicts.
As discussions about the B61-12 bomb and its implications continue, it remains essential to consider the potential humanitarian consequences of advanced military technologies. The focus on strengthening deterrence and assurance of allies should not overshadow the imperative of maintaining peace and avoiding a devastating escalation of conflicts.
In summary, the revelation of the B61-12 bomb, with its unprecedented destructive power, has ignited concerns among experts and raised questions about the security landscape. The potential impact on Moscow and other major cities demands a careful examination of the consequences and emphasizes the need for dialogue and diplomacy to avoid catastrophic outcomes. The path forward must balance the desire for enhanced military capabilities with the imperative to maintain global peace and security.
