F-35 stealth fighter authorized for nuke deployment

The F-35A Lightning II has achieved a groundbreaking milestone, becoming officially certified to carry the B61-12 nuclear gravity bomb. This certification, awarded ahead of schedule, signifies a historic moment in military aviation, as it marks the first time a Western multirole stealth fighter has been equipped for nuclear missions.

Russ Goemaere, spokesperson for the F-35 Joint Program Office, described the certification as a pivotal achievement, highlighting the F-35A's status as the first 5th-generation aircraft with nuclear capabilities since the early 1990s. This development not only enhances U.S. military capabilities but also strengthens NATO's defense posture, providing vital support to extended deterrence commitments.

The certification process, completed on October 12, 2023, designates the F-35A as a "dual-capable" aircraft capable of deploying both conventional and nuclear weapons. This capability is of particular significance to NATO allies, including Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Italy, who have plans to integrate the F-35A into their nuclear-sharing arrangements.

It's worth noting that while the F-35A has received nuclear certification, its sister variants, the F-35B and F-35C, do not possess this capability due to their unique operational requirements.

The B61-12, the latest iteration of the B61 bomb series, represents a leap forward in nuclear technology, boasting enhanced precision and GPS/inertial navigation capabilities. By replacing older variants 3, 4, 7, and 10, the B61-12 offers greater flexibility and accuracy in strategic deployments.

However, the deployment of nuclear-capable F-35s raises concerns about the potential escalation of tensions and the risk of nuclear conflict. With over a thousand F-35s in service worldwide, the ability to deploy nuclear payloads significantly expands the reach and potency of U.S. air power.

The B61-12, the latest iteration of the B61 bomb series, represents a leap forward in nuclear technology, boasting enhanced precision and GPS/inertial navigation capabilities. By replacing older variants 3, 4, 7, and 10, the B61-12 offers greater flexibility and accuracy in strategic deployments.

However, the deployment of nuclear-capable F-35s raises concerns about the potential escalation of tensions and the risk of nuclear conflict. With over a thousand F-35s in service worldwide, the ability to deploy nuclear payloads significantly expands the reach and potency of U.S. air power.

Critics argue that the stealth capabilities of the F-35, coupled with the destructive potential of the B61-12, pose a formidable threat to adversaries and underscore the importance of responsible diplomatic engagement and strategic restraint.

As the F-35 program continues to evolve, it is essential to address the ethical, political, and strategic implications of nuclear proliferation in the modern era. While the certification of the F-35A as a nuclear weapon carrier represents a significant achievement, it also underscores the need for careful stewardship of advanced military technologies in an increasingly complex global security landscape.