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 ...