What is a gravity bomb? US ramps up production for new nuclear weapon amid World War III fears

US President Donald Trump's tariff war has shaken the global markets and threatens to bring seismic change in the world order. As Trump announced a tariff plan during the US Presidential elections last year, many world leaders perhaps considered it a threat and bluster. But in the White House, Trump has unleashed waves of tariffs on its trade partners. With many countries, especially China choosing to retaliate with counter tariffs, the trade war is getting uglier by the day.

While slapping tariffs and putting in place trade barriers are aimed at hurting rivals economically, they could potentially stoke geopolitical tensions and eventually turn into conflicts. As global superpowers engage in trade war and flex military muscle, there are always chances of countries forming coalitions against one another, leading to World War III.

It is worth noting that Trump has been aggressive not only on trade front but also on using military power. He has threatened Iran of bombing in case it doesn't seal a nuclear deal. Earlier, he came up with the idea of taking over Gaza. Trump has himself warned of World War III if the Russia-Ukraine conflict does not end.

Why Donald Trump is ramping up production of this new nuclear weapon

Amid ongoing power tussles, the US is believed to have started ramping up its nuclear arsenal.

A New York Post report said that the US has hastened production of 'gravity bomb' because of an “urgent” and “critical” threat from rising global tensions. The gravity bombs are considered 24 times more powerful than the one used on Hiroshima during World War II.

What is a Gravity bomb?

Gravity bombs are bombs that are dropped from a nuclear-capable aircraft. They are hugely destructive. A single B61-13 gravity bomb is nearly 24 times more powerful than the one dropped on Hiroshima.

The Department of Defense in October 2023 announced that the US will pursue a modern variant of the B61 nuclear gravity bomb, designated the B61-13, pending Congressional authorization and appropriation.

"The B61-13 will strengthen deterrence of adversaries and assurance of allies and partners by providing the President with additional options against certain harder and large-area military targets," it said.

There have been growing concerns around the world on the spread of nuclear weapons. It is believed that China is well on the path to match the number of nuclear weapons deployed by the Russians and the Americans.

The 2022 Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) observed that US competitors continue to expand, diversify, and modernize their nuclear forces while increasing reliance on nuclear weapons.