US Wraps Up $9 Billion Overhaul of B61 Gravity Nuclear Bombs

Mon Jan 13 2025
icon-facebook icon-twitter icon-whatsapp

Key points

  • These warheads have been in use for more than 50 years
  • Designed to provide modern, air-delivered nuclear deterrent capability

ISLAMABAD: The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has declared the successful completion of the $9-billion life extension program for the US military’s B61-12 nuclear warheads.

According to The Defense Post, referred to as “gravity bombs,” these warheads have been in use for more than 50 years, making them the oldest in the US nuclear stockpile. The upgrade prolongs their service life by at least two decades, while improving their safety, security, and reliability.

“Completing the B61-12 on schedule is the latest example of what we’ve been saying for several years now: NNSA is delivering capabilities at the pace and scale needed by our Department of Defense partners and our deterrence requirements,” NNSA Administrator Jill Hruby explained.

The B61 gravity bombs are deployed at US Air Force and NATO bases.

Completing the B61-12 on schedule is the latest example of what we’ve been saying for several years now: NNSA is delivering capabilities at the pace and scale needed by our Department of Defense partners and our deterrence requirements.” – NNSA Administrator Jill Hruby.

The B61-12 is designed to provide the US military with a modern, air-delivered nuclear deterrent capability.

The B61-12

Weighing approximately 825 pounds (374 kilograms), the weapon uses an inertial navigation system for high kill probability.

Its tail features four maneuverable fins, offering enhanced accuracy and stand-off capability.

The warhead received formal production clearance in 2021 — more than 17 years after design and development began.

In March 2024, the US cleared the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter aircraft to carry two B61-12 bombs, making it the first fifth-generation jet authorized for this mission.

With the B61-12 upgrade now complete, the NNSA will focus on producing a more advanced variant, the B61-13, the Defense Post reported.

US defence spending

According to USA Facts, after adjusting for inflation, defence spending has risen 62 per cent since 1980, climbing from $506 billion to $820 billion by 2023.

icon-facebook icon-twitter icon-whatsapp