F-35A Stealth Fighter Certified to Carry Latest B61-12 Nuclear Bomb

Defense News ,U.S :-  In a recent report by Breaking Defense, the F-35A stealth fighter has officially achieved certification to carry the advanced B61-12 thermonuclear gravity bomb. Surpassing the initial target date of January 2024, the certification was successfully obtained on October 12, 2023. Notably, this certification is specific to the F-35A model and does not extend to the F-35B and F-35C variants, designed for short takeoff and vertical landing, and carrier launches, respectively.

A spokesperson from the F-35 Joint Program Office has confirmed this significant milestone, emphasizing the notable enhancement in the aircraft's capabilities. However, details regarding the deployment of F-35A jets in Europe remain undisclosed, as the US Air Force has not yet responded to inquiries on the matter.

The B61-12 represents the latest upgrade in the B61 nuclear bomb series, initially introduced into service in 1968. The first production unit of this upgraded bomb was completed in November 2021. This particular version aims to replace three older variants of the B61 munition, specifically the B61-3, B61-4, and B61-7 models, as part of ongoing modernization efforts.