B61-12 Life Extension Program

Also known as

B61-12
B61-12 LEP

The B61-12 Life Extension Program modernizes the U.S. B61 nuclear gravity bomb family for continued air-delivered deterrence. The program adds a tail kit assembly for precision-guided delivery, consolidates older B61 variants, and is certified for current and future aircraft platforms including the B-21 Raider.

B61-12 Life Extension Program, Nuclear gravity bomb, Munitions

Image source: B61-12 system production ends, sustainment begins

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin: United States
Built by: National Nuclear Security AdministrationSandia National LaboratoriesLos Alamos National LaboratoryPantex Plant
Type: Nuclear gravity bomb
Service note: 2010s-2020s life-extension program

nuclear guided bomb air-delivered precision-guided munition

Specifications

Weapon family: B61 nuclear bomb family
Tail kit: U.S. Air Force tailkit assembly
Delivery: Certified for current aircraft and future platforms including the B-21 Raider
Program phase: Phase 6.5 life-extension program
Consolidated variants: B61-3, B61-4, and B61-7

Variants

B61-3
B61-4
B61-7

Compatible Aircraft

Compatible item

Item type

Compatibility evidence

B-21 Raider, Stealth strategic bomber, Aircraft & UAVs

Stealth strategic bomber

The DOE fact sheet says the B61-12 is certified for delivery on future aircraft platforms, including the B-21.

Sources: B61-12 LIFE EXTENSION PROGRAM - Department of Energy

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service: Phase 6.5 production began in September 2020 and the system-level first production unit was achieved in November 2021 before the program transitioned into sustainment.

Media

B61-12 Life Extension Program Videos

A look at the B61-12 Life Extension Program

B61-12 Flight Test with F35-A Lightning II

B61-12 Life Extension Program Images

B61-12 Life Extension Program, Nuclear gravity bomb, Munitions - view 1 — Source: B61-12 system production ends, sustainment begins

B61-12 Life Extension Program, Nuclear gravity bomb, Munitions - view 2 — Source: B61-12 system production ends, sustainment begins

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Sources

B61-12 LIFE EXTENSION PROGRAM - Department of EnergyPublisher: U.S. Department of Energy | Note: Supports B61-12 LEP background, the tail kit assembly, production milestones, and certification for current and future aircraft platforms including the B-21. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 B61-12 system production ends, sustainment beginsPublisher: Sandia National Laboratories | Note: Supports the production-closeout context and image provenance for the hero and gallery photos. | Accessed: 2026-06-27