The U.S. military has certified the F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter to carry the B61-12 nuclear bomb, making it the first stealth fighter in the world capable of deploying nuclear weapons.
The F-35A received certification for operational use of the B61-12 thermonuclear bomb in mid-October 2023, two months ahead of schedule. However, the milestone was only announced by the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) at the Pentagon on March 8.
"The F-35A is the first fifth-generation fighter in the world capable of deploying nuclear weapons, and the first new aircraft platform to achieve this capability since the early 1990s," said JPO spokesperson Russ Goemaere. "This certification delivers critical capabilities for the U.S. and NATO to uphold their extended deterrence commitments."
The nuclear weapons certification applies only to the F-35A variant operated by the U.S. Air Force and allied nations. It does not extend to the F-35B, designed for vertical landing, or the F-35C, the carrier-based variant used by the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy.
The B61-12: A Key Tactical Nuclear Asset
The B61-12 nuclear bomb is part of a modernization program initiated under the Obama administration to extend the service life of the B61 tactical nuclear bomb series. Instead of manufacturing new warheads, the program upgrades existing ones with advanced satellite-guided precision systems.
The B61-12 bomb, weighing 320 kilograms (705 pounds), carries a warhead with a yield equivalent to 50,000 tons of TNT. Its compact design allows it to fit neatly inside the internal weapons bay of the F-35A. Known for its high precision and adaptability, the B61-12 is considered one of the most advanced and lethal weapons in the U.S. nuclear arsenal.
The program cost approximately $10 billion, with each fully assembled bomb priced at $28 million—1.5 times the value of a gold bar of the same weight.
Strategic Implications
The certification marks a significant enhancement in the F-35A’s capabilities, positioning it as a key asset in modern nuclear deterrence strategy. The integration of the B61-12 with the F-35A provides the U.S. and NATO with a powerful and flexible tool to respond to emerging global threats.
(Adapted from Breaking Defense)
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