The United States successfully conducted a test of the tactical B61-12 thermonuclear aerial bomb without a warhead in August.

Axar.az reports that the information was released by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Sandia National Laboratories.

It was noted that the tests were carried out between August 19–21 at a test range in the state of Nevada.

During the trials, U.S. fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets dropped the bombs without warheads.

The tests were conducted in coordination with the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and represent an important stage in assessing the weapon’s effectiveness.

It was also reported that at the end of 2024, the NNSA completed the program to extend the service life of these aerial bombs by an additional 20 years.