B61 Nuclear Bomb

Manufacturer: Los Alamos National Laboratory
Category: Bombs & Aerial Munitions
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Warhead Type Nuclear variable-yield design
Delivery Platforms U.S. and NATO-certified aircraft
Guidance Yes (B61-12 tail-kit guidance)
Operational Role Tactical & strategic nuclear deterrence

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Designation	B61 Nuclear Bomb
Type	Nuclear Gravity Bomb
Manufacturer	Los Alamos National Laboratory / NNSA
Country of Origin	United States
Year Introduced	Late 1960s
Operational Status	Active, Modernized Variants in Service

2. Physical Characteristics

Weight	Approx. 700 lbs
Length	~11.8 ft
Diameter	~13 inches
Casing Type	Aerodynamic metal casing

3. Performance

Yield	Variable (publicly acknowledged)
Guidance	Tail-kit guidance (B61-12)
Accuracy (CEP)	Improved CEP with guided variant
Delivery Platforms	F-15E, F-16, F-35A (pending), B-2
Penetration Capability	Yes (specific variants only)

4. Warhead / Explosive Details

Warhead Type	Nuclear
Fuzing Options	Airburst / Groundburst
Explosive Composition	Not publicly disclosed

5. Operational Use

Primary Mission	Tactical & strategic nuclear deterrence
Operators	United States; NATO sharing arrangements
Notable Deployments / History	Cold War to present; ongoing modernization programs

6. Variants

Variants

B61-3, B61-4, B61-7, B61-11, B61-12

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Stealth Capability 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Payload Capacity 8 / 10

PROS

Long-standing operational reliability
Flexible variable-yield options
Compatible with multiple U.S. and NATO aircraft
Enhanced accuracy in latest variants
Central role in strategic and tactical deterrence

CONS

Extremely high lifecycle and modernization costs
Requires nuclear-certified aircraft and infrastructure
Strict international oversight limits deployment flexibility
Political sensitivity surrounding basing and use
Dependent on ongoing modernization for future relevance

B61 Nuclear Gravity Bomb

The B61 nuclear gravity bomb remains one of the most enduring and strategically significant components of the United States’ nuclear deterrent. Developed during the Cold War and continuously modernized, the B61 series is designed to provide flexible, precise, and survivable nuclear strike capability for U.S. and NATO aircraft.

Manufactured by the Los Alamos National Laboratory and later enhanced through the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) life extension programs, the B61 was first introduced in the late 1960s. Over the decades, it has evolved into multiple variants tailored for tactical, strategic, and earth-penetrating missions. The newest modernization effort—the B61-12—adds precision-guided tail-kit upgrades to enhance accuracy while consolidating older variants into a single standardized model.

Engineered for compatibility with a wide array of aircraft, the B61 can be deployed from platforms such as the F-15E, F-16, B-2 Spirit, and future F-35A nuclear-certified units. Its variable-yield configuration allows military planners to adjust explosive power for mission needs, enhancing flexibility across both deterrence and extended security commitments to NATO partners.

The B61 features a streamlined, lightweight design, enabling high-speed deployment under a variety of mission profiles. Its precision guidance system in the modernized variants significantly improves accuracy, reducing potential collateral effects compared to earlier unguided gravity bombs.

Operationally, the B61 plays a central role within the U.S. strategic triad, particularly in the air-delivered leg. It is forward-deployed at select NATO bases under strict security and international oversight, contributing to alliance deterrence strategies.

B61 Nuclear Bomb Price

The B61 series does not have a conventional commercial price. Costs are associated with government-funded nuclear modernization programs, with the B61-12 Life Extension Program valued at several billion dollars over multiple years.

FAQs

What is the purpose of the B61 nuclear bomb?

The B61 provides tactical and strategic nuclear strike capability for U.S. and NATO aircraft.

Is the B61 still in service?

Yes. Multiple variants remain operational, with the B61-12 serving as the modernized replacement.

Which aircraft can carry the B61?

Platforms include the F-15E, F-16, B-2, and future F-35A nuclear-certified units.

Is the B61 deployed in Europe?

Yes, the U.S. maintains forward-deployed B61 units at select NATO bases under strict control.

What makes the B61-12 different from earlier versions?

The B61-12 adds precision guidance and consolidates older variants to improve reliability and accuracy.

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