The great significance of approving the F-35A to carry the B61-12 nuclear bomb lies in the fact that this aircraft is the only fifth-generation jet "certified" for nuclear attacks by the US and NATO.
The successful launch of the B61-12 nuclear bomb during a test from an F-35A aircraft constitutes a milestone in the course of US strategic deterrence and is one of the most impressive steps in the field of nuclear weapons. While the F-35A has already been certified to carry the B61-12 nuclear bomb, the latest test checks determined new data that reinforce the reliability and strategic importance of this advanced military platform.
The objective of the nuclear tests
The tests took place in August at the Tonopah Test Range in Nevada, from August 19 to 21, and constitute a significant milestone in evaluating the weapon's performance and its behavior in simulated operational conditions.
In the announcement published by Sandia Laboratories and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), it was highlighted that these tests determined the overall reliability of the F-35A aircraft, the crew, and the nuclear system, writes the American magazine National Interest.
As Jeffrey Boyd, B61-12 and B61-13 surveillance manager at Sandia laboratories, explained, these flights with the B61-12 nuclear bomb "represent the completion of most of the B61-12 surveillance flights for the current year and are the most important flights for the future of US nuclear surveillance."
The B61 family constitutes the oldest yet most multidimensional US nuclear weapon platform. The B61 has undergone countless upgrades and redesigns since 1968, when it was first put into service.
The B61-12 model, which replaces older models, is 12 feet (about 3.7 meters) in length and weighs approximately 825 kilograms. This nuclear bomb, launched from aircraft, uses an Inertial Navigation System (INS) to achieve precise strikes against strategic targets.
Although the new version of the B61-12 is expected to remain in service for at least another two decades, it remains a central element of the US nuclear triad. The Life Extension Program (LEP) for the B61-12 ensures the weapon's reliability and capability for the coming years, as well as its ability to respond to new strategic tasks.
The B61-12 is mainly used for the strategic deterrence system, but also for tailored, limited attacks on tightly defined strategic points.
The nuclear capability of the F-35A
The great significance of approving the F-35A to carry the B61-12 nuclear bomb lies in the fact that this aircraft is the only fifth-generation jet "certified" for nuclear attacks by the US and NATO.
The F-35A, the conventional take-off and landing variant of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), is one of the most advanced and versatile military platforms in the world, with stealth capabilities and precision missions.
Despite the fact that the F-35A is capable of carrying nuclear weapons, the aircraft of China and Russia, such as the Chengdu J-20 or the Sukhoi Su-57, have not yet been certified for nuclear launch, according to existing information.
The utilization of the F-35A's nuclear capability enhances US strategic deterrence, as well as its ability to conduct precision campaigns with limited consequences on strategic targets worldwide. This makes the F-35A not only a cutting-edge aerial combat platform, but also a pivotal tool of nuclear deterrence in American strategy.
The European presence of the B61-12
The strategic presence of the B61-12 extends beyond the borders of the US, as approximately 100 such bombs are already deployed in six bases across five European NATO countries, including Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Turkey. Their deployment is also planned in Poland, a fact that adds another dimension to the geopolitical turmoil of the region. The US's strategic allies in Europe, who participate in NATO's nuclear deterrent doctrine, are constantly investing in the upgrade and maintenance of these strategic weapons to ensure their supremacy against potential threats.
Nuclear era
The new phase of testing and the continued development of the F-35A and B61-12 reflect the American determination to maintain its strategic nuclear superiority in the 21st century. The fact that US strategic deterrence relies on such specialized and advanced technologies, such as the F-35A, reinforces the sense of strategic stability as well as the readiness to respond to any modern threat. This nuclear readiness of the US and NATO proves that modern strategic deterrence depends not only on defensive capabilities but also on the continued development and evolution of strategic weapons, which ensure the stability and security of their nations and alliances, in a world full of unpredictable geopolitical challenges.
The political background: Trump's statements on restarting nuclear tests
Of particular importance is that the tests in Nevada preceded the much-discussed statements by President Donald Trump at the end of October, where he announced that the US intends to "resume nuclear testing." In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated: "Because of other countries' testing programs, I have instructed the War Department to begin testing our nuclear weapons on an equal footing. The process will begin immediately."
These statements were taken as a direct response to reports that Vladimir Putin is promoting new nuclear tests. However, the Kremlin clarified that these are not real nuclear explosions, but tests of nuclear-powered weapon systems, which can theoretically carry nuclear warheads. It remains unclear whether actual nuclear explosions are imminent.
Despite Trump's statements, his true intention remains doubtful. The US has not conducted a nuclear explosion since 1992, and any return to such testing would have tremendous geopolitical significance.
Reports from US media speak of intense pressure within the administration on the president not to proceed with such an escalation. Officials are reported to be warning that a nuclear test could provoke a corresponding Russian move, leading the two superpowers into a new, dangerous period of nuclear competition.
Alarm sounded in Russia
The successful US test of the inert version of the B61-12 thermonuclear bomb, and especially the capability of the F-35s to carry and release it, did not go unnoticed by the Russian leadership—which sees in these weapons not merely a technical development, but a possible shift in the geopolitical and strategic balance.
Lowering the "nuclear threshold"
Mikhail Ulianov, director of the Non-Proliferation and Arms Control Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, has stated that the B61-12 may "lower the nuclear threshold." The logic behind this is that the bomb, thanks to its higher precision and the ability to select lower yields, may potentially be used in a more "tactical" way—which makes the idea of its use in limited conflicts or at a local level more realistic, without necessarily requiring a full strategic nuclear strike.
Ulianov argues that the deployment of the B61-12 at NATO's European bases—and especially its use by non-nuclear member states of the North Atlantic Alliance—is contrary to "their commitments" under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Countermeasures are coming
Sources from the Russian military and analytical community express the view that Moscow will be forced to take "appropriate countermeasures" against the "upgraded threat." Specifically, the possibility of deployments or repositioning of Russian weapon systems is mentioned—for example, moving missile forces or dispersing forces—so that Russia maintains its deterrent advantage. Moscow has a history of accusing the US of hypocrisy: in previous instances, the Russian side had characterized the B61-12 tests as "provocative," arguing that they reinforce the American commitment to nuclear weapons and maintain a "tactical" nuclear compass during a period of tensions.
China is also taking measures - Rejects Trump's proposal for trilateral talks
China is watching developments with particular attention, criticizing the American side for the nuclear tests. China officially maintains the commitment of the no first use policy (not to use nuclear weapons first) as a key pillar of its nuclear strategy.
It evaluates the B61-12 upgrade not only as a threat but also as an element that increases uncertainty and pressure on the US/NATO nuclear deterrence regime.
In recent years, China has been accelerating the modernization and expansion of its nuclear arsenal. In this context, the testing and use of the B61-12 by the US may be recorded by Beijing as an element of a broader strategic competition game, where China needs to "strengthen" its own nuclear power to maintain deterrence and balance.
Beijing has recently characterized proposals for trilateral disarmament negotiations (US – Russia – China) as "unreasonable" and "unrealistic," pointing out that its nuclear power is not comparable to that of the two superpowers.
This stance indicates that China does not easily view the current American weapon upgrade initiatives as an opportunity for agreements, but rather as a confirmation of the need to maintain or strengthen its own nuclear deterrent potential.
Through its rhetoric, China may be drawing attention to the need for greater responsibility from the largest nuclear powers, calling for moderation, transparency, and arms limitations. At the same time, the acceleration of its own nuclear capability—especially through new systems—serves as a necessary message to Washington: China will not stand still.
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