The new B61-12 gravity bombs are “fully forward deployed,” according to the US National Nuclear Security Administration

The US has completed the modernization of its primary thermonuclear weapon, according to NNSA Administrator Jill Hruby, who indicated that the B61-12 variant of the gravity bomb has already been deployed across military bases in Europe under NATO’s nuclear weapons-sharing program.

The B61 family of bombs has been in service for over 50 years. The B61-12 Life Extension Program initiated in 2008 is aimed at refurbishing the bomb’s nuclear and non-nuclear components, extending its lifespan by at least 20 years. Earlier this month, the US National Nuclear Security Administration announced the completion of the program, with the final planned unit of the B61-12 now produced.

“The new B61-12 gravity bombs are fully forward deployed, and we have increased NATO’s visibility to our nuclear capabilities through visits to our enterprise and other regular engagements,” Hruby said in remarks at the Hudson Institute on Thursday.

While Hruby did not elaborate on the term “full forward deployment,” previous B61 variants have been stored in Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Türkiye under NATO’s nuclear sharing program. Moscow estimates that at least 150 of these bombs are deployed across Europe, lowering the nuclear threshold.

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The US also plans to deploy its nukes in the UK, according to multiple reports, citing procurement contracts for a new Pentagon facility at the RAF station in Lakenheath, Suffolk, to house B61-12 bombs.

“Our strategic partnership with the UK is very strong, as is their commitment to their nuclear deterrent. And we have advanced our thinking together about critical supply chain resilience,” Hruby added without providing further details.

The Pentagon announced an adjustment to its nuclear deterrence strategy in November. Key elements include increased readiness of nuclear-armed and -powered Ohio-class submarines and the development of the B61-13 gravity bomb to provide the US with “additional options against certain harder and larger military targets.” The NNSA confirmed that it is already transitioning to produce the new variant of the bomb.

The Kremlin has consistently criticized US military buildups, warning that the global deployment of nuclear-capable bombs and missiles could provoke a proportional response. In September, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a change in the nation’s nuclear doctrine to stipulate that “an aggression against the Russian Federation and/or its allies by any non-nuclear state with the participation or support of a nuclear state will be regarded as their joint attack.” 

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The changes were approved in November, after the US and several Western nations allowed Ukraine to use foreign-made long-range weapons for strikes deep into Russia, despite Moscow’s warning that this would escalate the conflict and result in NATO’s direct participation in the hostilities.

Russia also conducted a ‘combat test’ of its new 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 British-French Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles.

Last month, Russia and Belarus finalized a security treaty cementing plans to deploy Oreshnik missile systems in Belarus by 2025. These missiles, which Moscow claims cannot be intercepted by current Western defenses, are capable of striking targets across Europe within minutes.