F-35 and Nuclear Bomb Capabilities: What You Need to Know

The F-35 Lightning II, one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world, has captured global attention for its versatility and precision. A lesser-known fact is its capability to deliver nuclear weapons, specifically the B-61 nuclear bomb. This article will explore the F-35's nuclear bomb delivery capabilities, the roles it can play, and other pertinent details.

F-35's Capability to Deliver Nuclear Weapons

The primary variant of the F-35 that is certified for carrying nuclear weapons is the F-35A, the Air Force version. This variant has been approved to carry the B61 bomb. This certification makes the F-35 an essential tool in nuclear deterrence alongside its roles in conventional warfare and advanced air combat.

The F-35's advanced avionics and stealth technologies further enhance its effectiveness in nuclear strike missions. These features make it a robust platform for delivering nuclear weapons while minimizing risks to the aircraft and personnel.

Can Sandia Labs Create a Bomb for the F-35?

While the F-35 is already capable of carrying the B61 nuclear bomb, the question of whether Sandia Labs can create a bomb specifically for the F-35 is worthy of consideration. Sandia Labs, a national laboratory of the US Department of Energy, has a long history of developing and testing nuclear weapons. The capabilities of the labs ensure that nuclear weapons can indeed be developed to be compatible with the F-35's unique requirements.

The facility has been involved in numerous nuclear weapon development projects, including the upgrade of existing weapons like the B61. The labs have experience in creating nuclear weapons that can be delivered by various aircraft, including the F-35.

Internal Bay Capacity for Nuclear Weapons

The F-35A, specifically designed for traditional Air Force duties, has plenty of room in its internal bay for the B-61 nuclear bomb. However, it's important to note that the vertical landing version (F-35B) has a modified bay design to accommodate its lift fan, which means it has space limitations for internal weapons like the B-61.

Regarding the B-61 Mod 12, the F-35A is capable of carrying it internally. However, certification and a series of aero tests are still required. These steps ensure the F-35 can safely and effectively employ the B-61 Mod 12 for its missions. The F-35 is not designed for deep strike missions with nuclear weapons; for such tasks, the B-2 bomber is often the preferred aircraft due to its long-range and strategic strike capabilities.

German F-35 Purchase and B61 Nuclear Bombs

One reason for the German Air Force's interest in the F-35 is its capability to deliver the variable yield B-61 nuclear bomb. The F-35's improved avionics and stealth features make it a suitable platform for delivering such weapons, which can adjust their yield depending on the mission requirement.

Recent Development and Testing

In late 2023, the F-35A completed its last inert drop test of the B-61 Mod 12 nuclear bomb around early October. This final test represents a significant milestone in the F-35's capability to deliver advanced nuclear weapons. Following this, the F-35 will be certified for this mission, making it a more comprehensive nuclear strike capability.

The US signed an agreement in 1963 to ban above-ground nuclear tests, and this aligns with the F-35's missions of delivering nuclear weapons.

Conclusion

The F-35's nuclear capabilities are a critical component of modern air forces' strategic offensive and defensive plans. Despite being short-range compared to strategic bombers, the F-35's precision and stealth make it an invaluable asset for delivering nukes in theatres of war.