In a statement, Mr. Goemaere said that the certification of the F-35A's capabilities was achieved on October 12, 2023, several months before committing to NATO allies that the process would end in January 2024, according to Breaking Defense newspaper on March 8.
Some current F-35As will be capable of carrying the B61-12, officially making the stealth fighter a “dual-capable” aircraft, able to carry both conventional and nuclear weapons.
F-35A stealth fighter during an exercise in the US
"The F-35A is the first 5th-generation nuclear-capable aircraft and the first fighter or bomber to achieve this status since the 1990s...The F-35A has achieved Nuclear Certification ahead of schedule, providing the United States and NATO with a critical capability to support America's extended deterrence commitments sooner than expected," Goemaere stressed.
Responding to a question from Breaking Defense , Mr. Goemaere said that US disclosure policy prohibits the disclosure of information about dual-capable aircraft among NATO partners.
As of 2023, about 100 older versions of the B61 bomb are being stored by NATO allies Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Türkiye, according to an analysis by the Federation of American Scientists.
US F-35 fighters have been operating in Ukraine?
Belgium, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands are all countries that have planned to operate the F-35, with the need to own a nuclear-capable aircraft being the main reason Germany signed on to the F-35 program.
The F-35A is certified to carry only the newer B61-12 version, which will replace older models. Additionally, the B61-12 certification does not apply to similar versions of the F-35 stealth aircraft, the F-35B (short takeoff and vertical landing) and the F-35C (carrier-based).
Production program for new B61-12 version is underway
US DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE/THE WAR ZONE
Previously, the F-15E was the first US fighter jet to be certified as compatible with the B61-12. Three other fighter jets, the F-16A/B, F-16C/D and PA-200 Tornado, used by several NATO member states, are also allowed to carry nuclear weapons, according to Breaking Defense.
Watch the F-35A stealth fighter test-drop a nuclear bomb at supersonic speed
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