Are U.S. Stealth Fighters Armed with Nuclear Weapons: The Facts

The question of whether U.S. stealth fighters are armed with nuclear weapons is a common one, and the short answer is that it depends on the exact context. While these aircraft do not typically carry nuclear weapons on their missions, they are indeed capable of doing so under certain conditions.

Understanding Nuclear Capability

To begin, it's important to clarify what it means to be 'nuclear capable.' Being nuclear-capable involves more than simply having the physical space to accommodate a nuclear weapon; it requires a range of specialized systems and protocols. These include dedicated electronics, communication systems, and 'permissive action links' that ensure that the bomb cannot be activated or deactivated by the pilot without authorization from the ground.

For example, not all F-16C/D variants in the USAF fleet are nuclear capable. Out of the approximately 950 F-16C/Ds currently in service, only a very small fraction are equipped with the necessary hardware and software for nuclear operations. The same is true for the F-22 and F-35, which are also capable of carrying nuclear weapons under specific circumstances.

Nuclear- Capable Fighters in Practice

The concept of nuclear-capable fighter jets involves several other factors. For instance, the F-106 Delta Dart, an aircraft that was never designed to engage in air superiority or air-to-air combat, did carry a nuclear-armed air-launched rocket called the Genie. The bomb bay of an F-106 is strikingly similar to that of the modern F-22 and F-35, suggesting a continuity in the design that enables this capability.

The F-106 was optimized for intercepting incoming Soviet bombers and launching the Genie rocket, which was a nuclear-tipped air-to-air missile. While the F-22 and F-35 are vastly more capable in terms of maneuverability, air superiority, and other characteristics, they too can be seen as part of a broader nuclear deterrence strategy.

Modern Stealth Fighters and Nuclear Operations

Given the advanced technology and stealth capabilities of the F-22 and F-35, it would be misleading to say that they do not have nuclear capabilities. These aircraft are part of the broader nuclear deterrence strategy, and as such, they are 'nuclear capable.' This capability extends to their integration within NATO, where certain fighter aircraft can carry nuclear weapons as part of the NATO Nuclear Sharing program.

In summary, while U.S. stealth fighters like the F-22 and F-35 do not typically carry nuclear weapons on every mission, they are indeed equipped to do so under specific circumstances. The term 'nuclear capable' encompasses a range of technical and procedural measures that ensure these aircraft can play a role in nuclear deterrence if needed.