Summary: The F-35 Lightning II has marked a significant milestone in military aviation by becoming the first fifth-generation aircraft certified to carry nuclear weapons, notably the B61-12 thermonuclear gravity bomb. This advancement not only cements the F-35's status as the most advanced combat aircraft globally but also enhances the U.S. and NATO's deterrence capabilities. Achieving nuclear certification ahead of schedule, the F-35A variant for the U.S. Air Force underscores the aircraft's unparalleled versatility and combat readiness.

The F-35 Lightning II: Redefining Air Power with Nuclear Capability

The F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jet is the most advanced combat aircraft in the world. With its ability to carry out multiple mission sets while remaining largely undetected, the fifth-generation stealth fighter is a major tool in the U.S. military’s toolkit. 

Now the platform is even more versatile and deadly. The F-35 Lightning II recently became the first fifth-generation aircraft in history that can carry nuclear weapons. 

The F-35 Stealth Fighter Jet Goes Nuclear 

In October, the F-35 was certified to carry the B61-12 thermonuclear gravity bomb. 

“The F-35A is the first 5th generation nuclear capable aircraft ever, and the first new platform (fighter or bomber) to achieve this status since the early 1990s. This F-35 Nuclear Certification effort culminates 10+ years of intense effort across the nuclear enterprise, which consists of 16 different government and industry stakeholders,” Russ Goemaere, a spokesperson for the Joint Program Office, said in a press statement.  

The Office first revealed the F-35’s new capability in March. 

“The F-35A achieved Nuclear Certification ahead of schedule, providing US and NATO with a critical capability that supports US extended deterrence commitments earlier than anticipated,” Goemaere added. 

The certified “A” version of the F-35 flies for the U.S. Air Force. 

“The F-35 is the world’s only 5th Generation multi-role stealth fighter, and in partnership with our customers, we continue to make advancements to ensure it stays ahead of threats,” Lockheed Martin, the jet’s manufacturer, said in a press release. 

The F-35 Lightning II 

The F-35 Lightning II is a multi-role aircraft that brings unparalleled interconnectedness and combat capabilities to the battlefield. 

The stealth fighter jet comes in three versions. The F-35A is the conventional iteration that can operate from normal runways. The F-35B is the Short Take-off, Vertical Landing iteration that can take off and land like a helicopter. The F-35C is designed to operate from aircraft carriers. 

The F-35 Lightning II combines several aircraft into one, and as such it can conduct the following missions: strategic attack; air superiority; close air support; electronic warfare; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR); suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD); and destruction of enemy air defenses (DEAD). 

Moreover, due to its high-tech sensors, the F-35 Lightning II can act as a quarterbacks of sorts, guiding friendly aircraft, ground assets, and warships to the target. 

Eighteen countries have ordered more than 3,500 F-35 fighter jets of all versions. The U.S. military is by far the largest customer, having ordered F-35s for the Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy. 

About the Author 

Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense and national security journalist specializing in special operations. A Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ), he holds a BA from the Johns Hopkins University, an MA from the Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). He is pursuing a J.D. at Boston College Law School. His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP.