New Version of Nuclear Weapon Closer to US and NATO Readiness

The US Air Force and Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration have recently completed developmental testing of the B61-12 tactical and strategic nuclear bomb version.The program office for the bomb said the 27-month testing programme was completed in just 11 months,yet with 100 percent success on all 31 bomb drops executed.Now the bomb version enters initial operational testing and evaluation.
In the summer of 2018,a B-2A Spirit bomber dropped two inert B61-12 bombs at Nellis AFB, Nevada.The tests were the start of a technicial reset of the B-2A for advanced warfighting requirements, including improved digital weapons integration; more computer processing power; next generation sensors.With a range of 6,000 nautical miles, the B-2A has flown combat missions in Iraq,Libya and Afghanistan.Now it is being readied for service in Anti-access/Area-denial scenarios against near-peer adversaries such as Russia and China.*
Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory did the design and engineering of the B61-12.
The bomb has the first digital interface of the series.One of the bombs can execute any of the missions intended by the Air Force and NATO:
Earth-penetrating attack;
Low-yield and high-yield attack;
Above surface detonation;
Bunker buster option.*
The Air Force intends to certify the B61-12 on the following aircraft:
B-2A Spirit bomber;
F-15E Strike Eagle fighter;
F-16 C,D and MLU variants;



F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter;
B-21 Raider bomber;
PA 200 Tornado fighter.
The new version is part of a Life Extension Program for the bomb.A total of 400 bombs are to be refitted, extending their lives by 20 years.*
The B61-12 is designed for NATO use.Currently the Allies Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey participate in the dual key arrangement with the US, providing personnel, storage and aircraft for the Alliance's nuclear deterrent.*
The first production unit of the B61-12 is slated for completion in March 2020, with full run completion by 2025.The updated weapon will include improved safety, security, reliability and accuracy, the Air Force said.*
Boeing provides the B61-12 guided tail-kit.*
Boeing (BA)

Air-Sea Battle Concept Moves Forward

With the establishment of the Air-Sea Battle Office on 12 August 2011,which was subsequently announced on 9 November,the U.S. Navy,Marine Corps and Air Force have begun an era of unprecedented collaboration and integration.In response to a recent Quadrennial Defense Review,the office has been stood up by the Pentagon to integrate air and naval combat capabilities in support of emerging national security requirements.
The Air-Sea Battle concept is being developed to counter anti-access/area denial challenges posed by global proliferation of a range of advanced military technologies,including conventional ballistic missiles;long-range precision cruise missiles;advanced integrated air and missile defense systems;electronic and cyber warfare capabilities;submarines;surface warships;and advanced combat aircraft.
The Air-Sea Battle Office will do this by facilitating interservice coordination;influencing war games;fostering development and integration of air and naval capabilities;and collaborating with the joint forces.Furthermore,the ASBO will foster the integration of acquisition strategies and the conceptual approach to warfare as warfighters counter these emerging A2/AD threats.ASBO will ensure the defense of U.S. and allied interests and sustain stability and freedom throughout the global commons.
The joint forces concept has been developing for many years,but has recently been accelerated by both economic necessity and strategic reality.