F-35A Primed for Nuclear Mission with New-generation Bomb
The F-35As of the U.S. Air Force will be nuclear-capable, armed with a guided version of the B61 variable-yield weapon.
A 461st FLTS F-35A releases an inert B61-12 in a test on November 25, 2019. (Photo: U.S. DoD/F-35 Joint Program Office)
A 461st FLTS F-35A releases an inert B61-12 in a test on November 25, 2019. (Photo: U.S. DoD/F-35 Joint Program Office)

A series of photographs released by the F-35 Joint Program Office on June 22 show that the U.S. Air Force’s Lockheed Martin F-35A has been undergoing Dual Capable Aircraft (DCA) tests. DCA refers to the ability to deliver both conventional and nuclear weaponry. In the nuclear case that involves the new B61-12 weapon that is currently in the early stages of production. The F-35A is expected to introduce its DCA capability in early 2023 with the Block 4 software upgrade.