Archive · 16 Nov 2025
US Completes Successful B61-12 Nuclear Bomb Flight Tests
The United States recently tested its B61-12 nuclear bomb by dropping it from a stealthy F-35 fighter jet.
These tests happened in the Nevada desert over a few days in August.
Special practice versions of the bomb were used, not actual nuclear ones.
The goal was to make sure the jet, the pilots, and the bomb all work together perfectly.
This is important because the B61-12 bomb was just updated to last for at least 20 more years.
These tests show that the updated bomb is ready to be used with the F-35.
It was also the only time this year that these specific bomb tests were done with the F-35.
The US conducted successful stockpile flight tests of the B61-12 nuclear gravity bomb.
Tests were performed between August 19-21 at the Tonopah Test Range in Nevada.
Inert units of the B61-12 were released from F-35A aircraft.
The tests confirmed the end-to-end performance of the F-35A, aircrew, and weapon.
The B61-12 recently completed a life extension program, extending its service life by at least 20 years.
- Who
- US National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and Sandia National Laboratories
- What
- Conducted successful stockpile flight tests of the B61-12 nuclear gravity bomb released from F-35A aircraft.
- When
- August 19-21
- Where
- Tonopah Test Range, Nevada
- Why
- To confirm the end-to-end performance of the F-35A aircraft, aircrew, and weapon under operational conditions and validate its compatibility with the F-35 after a life extension program.
- Weapon Type
- B61-12 nuclear gravity bomb
- Test Dates
- August 19-21
- Test Location
- Tonopah Test Range, Nevada
- Support Base
- Hill Air Force Base, Utah
- Aircraft Used
- F-35A
- Test Conducted By
- Sandia National Laboratories (NNSA)
- Life Extension Program Completion
- Late 2024
- Full-Scale Production Start
- May
- Full-Scale Production Completion
- 2026
