The United States of America has officially added the B61-12 nuclear bomb to its arsenal, authorizing its operational use on the B-2A Spirit stealth bomber. The announcement was made in the Fiscal Year 2024 Stockpile Management and Management Plan (SSMP) report released today by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), a division of the Department of Energy that oversees the US nuclear arsenal in coordination with the US military. The B61-12 is now the first US combat aircraft authorized to employ this advanced variant of the B61 nuclear bomb.
This milestone marks the completion of the first production of the B61-12 in late 2021, with delivery to the US military starting in 2022. The program, which is a life extension effort for the B61 series, is currently scheduled to end in fiscal year 2025.
The B61-12 is a dial-a-yield bomb, meaning it can be set to detonate with various degrees of explosive force, with the maximum yield setting reported to be 50 kilotons. It also incorporates a precision guidance package, enhancing its accuracy and effectiveness. In addition, the B61-12 features small rockets at the rear of the body that spin the bomb to help stabilize it during flight.
When used from F-16s belonging to the Air Force and selected NATO member countries, as well as German Tornadoes, the precision guidance package cannot be utilized. However, it has been successfully tested on the B-2A Spirit stealth bomber, demonstrating its operational capability.
The B61-12 is expected to eventually replace the existing B61-3, -4, and -7 variants. It leverages components from multiple existing B61 types while introducing new and improved features. The new SSMP report indicates that the B-2’s nuclear weapons options also include the B61-7, B61-11, and B83-1 nuclear bombs, with the B61-12 being the only aircraft approved to employ any of these weapons.
Furthermore, the report confirms that the B61-12 program is working towards the certification of the bomb for use with the F-35, F-15, F-16, and NATO aircraft. The NNSA had previously announced the initial certification of the B61-12 on the F-15E and the F-35A, and the Royal Netherlands Air Force recently reported similar achievements with their F-35As.
The B61-12’s introduction has also prompted discussions about the retirement of other nuclear bombs in the US arsenal. The B83-1 faced potential retirement decisions under previous administrations but has been kept in service, with recent plans for its retirement remaining classified. Additionally, the Pentagon has announced its intention to develop a new variant, tentatively designated as the B61-13, to provide additional options against specific threats and targets.
The developments in the US nuclear arsenal also have implications for the future B-21A bombers, known as the Raiders. These aircraft are likely to inherit a similar range of nuclear bomb options as the B-2A, and the B61-13 is expected to be exclusively for US military use. Furthermore, the B-52H is no longer authorized to carry any nuclear gravity bomb of any type, with plans for it to rely on cruise missiles with nuclear warheads instead.
In conclusion, the addition of the B61-12 to the US arsenal represents a significant advancement in the nation’s nuclear capabilities. The weapon’s precision guidance package and dial-a-yield design enhance its effectiveness and flexibility, while discussions about future variants and retirement plans underscore the dynamic nature of the US nuclear arsenal. These developments will shape the capabilities and strategic options of US Air Force aircraft and allied partners in the coming decades.
As the world closely watches these developments, it remains important to hope that these capabilities are never tested in combat, as the implications of nuclear warfare are great and far-reaching. The US military’s continued efforts to maintain and modernize its nuclear arsenal are critical to strategic deterrence and national security, and the responsible management of these capabilities will play a significant role in shaping global peace and stability.
