Can the F-35 Carry Nuclear Weapons: A Comprehensive Analysis

When discussing the capabilities of the F-35, one question often comes up: Can the F-35 carry nuclear weapons? The short answer is yes, but several factors, including certification and operational considerations, play a crucial role in determining its capability in this regard.

The Ability of F-35 to Carry Nuclear Weapons

The F-35 is designed for a multi-mission capability, including deep strike missions. While it has the potential to carry nuclear weapons, such as the B-61, there are several steps involved in making the F-35 operational for such missions.

One of the primary reasons the F-35 can carry nuclear weapons is its airframe's internal bay. The F-35A variant, for instance, has enough room in the internal bay to accommodate the B-61 nuclear bomb. However, there are specific requirements that must be met before the F-35 can be certified for carrying such weapons.

Certification and Requirements

Despite the airframe's capacity, the F-35 still needs certification to carry nuclear weapons. This process involves extensive aerodynamic testing to ensure the aircraft's structural integrity and operational safety. Even with these tests, the F-35 missions that include the deployment of nuclear weapons would typically be focused on tactical, theatre-level strike capabilities, rather than strategic missions.

Comparison with Other Airframes

For strategic nuclear strike missions, options like the B-2 Spirit, which are specifically designed for long-range, stealth operations, are more suitable. The F-35, with its limited range and theatre-level strike capabilities, is not ideal for such missions. The B-2 Spirit, with its range and payload, is better suited for deep strike nuclear operations.

Germans' Interest in F-35 for Nuclear Capabilities

The German interest in the F-35 is partly due to its capability to carry the variable yield B-61 nuclear bomb. This includes the F-35's ability to carry the B61 Mod 12, which features GPS-guidance.

Visual Proof

A picture in the concept of the F-35 carrying a B-61 nuke can be seen below:

As part of the F-35 Block 4 Follow-On Modernization, the aircraft is in the process of being certified to employ the B61 Mod 12 air-dropped nuclear weapon. The B61 series is known for its adjustable yield ranging from 0.3 to 50 kilotons, with GPS-guidance similar to that of the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM).

Russian Fighter Jets and Nuclear Capabilities

It is worth noting that Russian fighter jets, such as the Su-35, have been designed with a focus on tactical nuclear warfare. Previous versions of these jets were capable of carrying nuclear weapons. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that the Su-35, which retains similar capabilities, can also carry nuclear weapons.

Future Developments

By 2024, F-35 Block 4B aircraft are expected to be able to carry two B21 Bombs internally. This reflects the ongoing advancements in the F-35's capabilities, with more ordnance integration being a focal point for future development.

Conclusion

In summary, while the F-35 can carry nuclear weapons, it is still undergoing certification and testing to fully operationalize its nuclear deployment capability. The aircraft's role in nuclear operations is typically limited to theatre-level strikes, while strategic nuclear missions are better handled by dedicated bombers like the B-2 Spirit.