The United States has announced the completion of the modernization of the B61-12 LPU nuclear bomb, part of a comprehensive life-extension program aimed at maintaining an effective nuclear deterrent.
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The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) reported that this upgrade has extended the bomb’s service life by 20 years.
The Next Generation of B61 Bombs
The B61-12 LPU is the latest modification of the B61 family of nuclear bombs, which has been in operation for over 50 years. These weapons are stationed at U.S. Air Force bases and NATO facilities, making them some of the oldest components in the U.S. nuclear arsenal.
The modernization, officially initiated in 2008, was designed to replace outdated variants such as the -3, -4, -7, and -10, which had reached the end of their service lives. The new LEP (Life Extension Program) warhead improves precision and ensures effectiveness while reducing the bomb’s yield compared to previous models. It introduces a modified tail assembly, allowing the bomb to glide from high altitudes to its target with enhanced accuracy.
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Next Steps: B61-13 Production
With the completion of the B61-12 modernization, the U.S. will begin production of the B61-13 bomb using the same manufacturing facilities. This new version is scheduled for rollout in the 2026 fiscal year.
The Future of the U.S. Nuclear Arsenal
According to military experts, the modernization process is essential to replace all nuclear weapons systems and their delivery platforms with advanced versions in the coming decades. Currently, the United States maintains approximately 3,708 nuclear warheads, a number unchanged from the previous year. Of these, around 1,770 warheads are deployed, while 1,938 are in reserve.
The modernization of the B61-12 nuclear bombs reinforces the U.S.’s global stance, ensuring the effectiveness of its nuclear deterrent in a context of increasing strategic competition. The new generation of bombs is designed to meet security and precision requirements, ensuring that the U.S. arsenal remains relevant to the challenges of the 21st century.
Photos: Wikimedia. Sources: energy.gov / mil.in.ua. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.