Washington DC (US): The United States has wrapped up a significant round of stockpile flight testing for its B61-12 nuclear gravity bomb, carried by the stealth-capable F-35A fighter jet, according to a statement released Thursday by the US Department of Energy’s Sandia National Laboratories.
The trials were carried out from August 19 to 21 at the Tonopah Test Range in Nevada, with operational support from Hill Air Force Base, Utah. During the tests, inert versions of the B61-12 were dropped from the F-35A, successfully demonstrating the combined performance of the aircraft, pilots, and weapon under realistic mission conditions.
The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), along with Sandia Labs, confirmed that these were the only B61-12 stockpile flight tests using joint test assemblies conducted on the F-35 platform this year. Officials described the series as a major milestone in confirming the readiness of both the bomb and its delivery aircraft.
The B61-12 recently completed a multiyear life-extension programme, finished in late 2024, which is expected to keep the weapon operational for at least two more decades.
The programme addressed aging issues within the B61 family, introduced updated encryption systems, enhanced safety and control features, and ensured the weapon’s compatibility with current and future aircraft.
Full-scale production of the refurbished B61-12 began in May 2024 and is scheduled to conclude in 2026.
Jeffrey Boyd, Sandia’s surveillance lead for the B61-12 and upcoming B61-13, called the accomplishment the result of “extensive coordination and effort across Sandia and partner agencies.”
e noted that this year’s tests mark the highest number of B61-12 flight-surveillance activities completed in a single year so far.
In addition to successful release tests, the campaign also included the first thermal preconditioning of a joint test assembly on an F-35. This involved exposing the bomb to extreme temperatures before flight to ensure it meets environmental requirements for real-world deployment.
The B61-12, an upgraded variant of the original B61 deployed since 1968 across US and NATO bases, now enters extended service with updated capabilities and improved reliability for future missions.
