Latest "gravity bomb" 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