The United States has completed the modernization of its main line of thermonuclear weapons, according to a statement from the US National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).
The B61-12 gravity bomb variant has been deployed at military bases in Europe as part of NATO's nuclear weapons sharing program.
The B61 has been in service for more than half a century. The B61-12 Life Extension Program, launched in 2008, aims to upgrade both the nuclear and non-nuclear components of the bomb, extending its life by at least 20 years. Earlier this month, the NNSA announced that it had completed production of the last unit of the B61-12 variant.
“The new B61-12 gravity bombs are fully deployed on the front lines. We are strengthening NATO’s nuclear capabilities through regular visits and collaboration,” NNSA Director Jill Hruby said at the Hudson Institute, RT reported.
Ms Hruby did not provide details of “full frontline deployment” but previous B61 variants have been stored in Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Türkiye. Russia estimates there are at least 150 such bombs in Europe.
In addition, the US plans to deploy B61-12 bombs in the UK. Reports say the Pentagon has signed a contract to build a new facility at the Royal Air Force base in Lakenheath, Suffolk, to store the bombs.
“The strategic partnership with the UK is strong, as is their commitment to nuclear deterrence,” said Ms. Hruby.
Last November, the Pentagon announced a change to its nuclear deterrence strategy, including increasing the operations of the Ohio-class nuclear submarine and developing the B61-13 gravity bomb to deal with larger, more difficult military targets. The NNSA has already begun production of the bomb.
Russia has repeatedly criticized US military activities, warning that deploying nuclear weapons globally could lead to a proportionate response. President Vladimir Putin has revised Russia's nuclear doctrine, emphasizing that any attack on Russia or its allies with the support of a nuclear state would be considered a joint act of war.
The changes were approved by Russia after the United States and several Western countries allowed Ukraine to use foreign-made long-range weapons to strike deep into Russia, despite Moscow's warnings that this would escalate the conflict and lead to NATO directly getting involved in the fighting.
Russia has also conducted a “combat test” of its latest Oreshnik medium-range hypersonic missile against a military plant in Ukraine, in response to Kiev’s cross-border attacks using US-made ATACMS and HIMARS systems, as well as the Anglo-French Storm Shadow/SCALP missile.
Last month, Russia and Belarus finalized a security pact that cements plans to deploy the Oreshnik missile system in Belarus by 2025. The missiles, which Moscow claims cannot be intercepted by current Western defense systems, are capable of hitting targets across Europe within minutes.
