US Successfully Tests B61-12 Tactical Nuclear Bombs in Nevada
The United States conducted a series of successful tests with its B61-12 tactical thermonuclear bombs in August of this year, according to a statement from Sandia National Laboratories. The tests were carried out under the supervision of the U.S. Department of Energy, in coordination with the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).
Sandia’s report states that the experiments took place between August 19 and 21, 2025, at the Tonopah Test Range in Nevada. During the tests, advanced F-35 fighter jets dropped the bombs—equipped with inert, non-nuclear warheads—from predetermined altitudes.
The laboratory emphasized that the tested bombs were gravity-based B61-12 models, specifically designed as unarmed test units. These were successfully deployed and released from fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The tests represent a significant step in evaluating the performance and compatibility of modern tactical weapon systems with advanced delivery platforms.
Sandia also announced in its statement that the NNSA has finalized a multi-year program to extend the operational life of the B61-12 bombs by at least 20 years. The initiative aims to ensure the long-term effectiveness of the U.S. tactical nuclear arsenal.
The B61-12 is regarded as a tactical thermonuclear weapon with a lower explosive yield than strategic nuclear bombs, but it features high accuracy due to advanced guidance systems. It is compatible with a wide range of delivery platforms, particularly the F-35 aircraft.
Recent reports also indicate that, for the first time since 2008, the United States has relocated several B61-12 bombs to the RAF Lakenheath airbase in the United Kingdom, where they have been stored in a newly modernized facility. U.S. and British officials have declined to comment publicly on the reported deployment.
Amid an escalating militarization trend, U.S. President Donald Trump announced in October that he had instructed the Department of Defense to resume nuclear weapons testing, citing the need to respond to similar tests conducted by other countries. Trump stated that the tests would be carried out soon but did not specify whether live nuclear warheads would be used.
Meanwhile, CNN reported that several senior officials involved in energy and nuclear security under the Trump administration are planning to meet with White House representatives in the coming days, in an effort to persuade the president not to proceed with live nuclear tests.
