Latest "b61" stories

The 72nd Test and Evaluation Squadron test loads an unarmed B61-12 bomb, which can be outfitted with a nuclear warhead, on a B-2 Spirit bomber on June 13, 2022 at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. The 72nd TES conducts testing and evaluation of new equipment, software and weapons systems for the B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber. (Airman 1st Class Devan Halstead/Air Force)

Air Force’s new nuclear bomb program to be audited by military watchdog

The Air Force plans to fly the new B61 bomb on the F-35A and other fighter and bomber jets.

By Rachel S. Cohen

11 months ago

An F-35A Lightning II carrying a B61-12 Joint Test Assembly sits on the flight line at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Sept. 21, 2021. Two F-35A Lightning II aircraft released B61-12 Joint Test Assemblies during the first full weapon system demonstration, completing the final flight test exercise of the nuclear design certification process. (Airman 1st Class Zachary Rufus/Air Force)

The F-35 is one step closer to carrying nuclear bombs. What’s next?

Some disagree that nuclear-armed fighter jets are still a reliable deterrent in a post-Cold War world.

By Rachel S. Cohen

19 months ago

F-15E becomes first aircraft compatible with new nuclear bomb design

Two successful test launches of B61-12 designs mean the F-15E is ready to go with the newest nuclear gravity bomb design.

By Aaron Mehta

3 years ago

Strategic Command boss warns of nuclear ‘point of no return’

The Pentagon alone plans to spend more than $87 billion on nuclear programs in the next five years.

By Aaron Mehta

3 years ago

How a $5 part used to modernize nuclear warheads could cost $850 million to fix

Delays to the B61-12 and W88 Alt 370 could cost taxpayers a lot of money, but the National Nuclear Security Administration has a plan.

By Aaron Mehta

4 years ago

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