The Pentagon is planning to create a new super-powerful nuclear bomb, 24 times stronger than the one used in Hiroshima in 1945. This announcement comes after China revealed its intention to double its nuclear weapons to more than 1,000 by 2030.

"Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced that the United States will pursue a modern variant of the B61 nuclear gravity bomb, designated the B61-13, pending Congressional authorization and appropriation. The Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) would produce the B61-13," the Department of Defence release said.

"The decision to pursue this capability, which was undertaken in close collaboration with the NNSA, responds to the demands of a rapidly evolving security environment as described in the 2022 Nuclear Posture Review," the statement read.

The United States' new bomb, called the B61-13, would be dropped from aircraft, including the expensive B-21 Raider stealth bomber currently in development, which costs $692 million.

The Pentagon, in a statement said, that this bomb will make it more difficult for potential adversaries to challenge the United States, as it provides the President with more options to target larger and tougher military areas. However, assistant secretary of defense for space policy did not mention China or Russia in discussing the new weapon.

This decision to develop the B61-13 didn't happen because of a specific event. It's based on an ongoing evaluation of the world's security situation. The U.S. wants to make sure we stay strong and safe in this ever-changing world,' Pentagon said.

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

The NPR charted a balanced approach to the security environment, investing in deterrence while renewing a commitment to pursue arms control and other risk reduction measures.

As the security environment evolves, it is necessary for us to consider nuclear force adjustments to assure our ability to achieve deterrence and other objectives.

While the B61-13 will provide the President with additional options against certain harder and large-area military targets, the Department of Defense will separately continue its work to complete and implement a comprehensive strategy for defeat of hard and deeply buried targets, as directed in the Nuclear Posture Review.

Deterrence and assurance are enhanced if the United States can continue to deny an adversary sanctuary from attack.

(With inputs from agencies)