Sandia National Laboratories has completed the first production unit of the B61-13 gravity bomb, nearly one year ahead of schedule—a major milestone for the U.S. nuclear security community. Sandia, the lead integrator and design agency for the bomb’s nonnuclear components, leveraged the proven design of the B61-12, which concluded production in 2024.
The first B61-13 unit was finalized at the Pantex Plant in May, just 13 months after funding approval by Congress. The accelerated timeline was achieved through innovative development strategies, effective collaboration, and early preparation, including significant contributions from the experienced B61-12 program team.
Timely hardware shipments from the Y-12 National Security Complex and the Kansas City National Security Campus were essential in keeping the assembly process on track. Preliminary studies, launched as early as 2022, also positioned the program for rapid success following formal funding authorization in April 2024.
At a special event at Pantex, Energy Secretary Chris Wright diamond stamped the first production unit, confirming its readiness for operational deployment. The successful delivery of this unit highlights the coordinated efforts of Sandia, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Pantex, Y-12, the Kansas City National Security Campus, Savannah River Site, the NNSA, and the U.S. Air Force.
The B61-13 will offer higher yield capabilities compared to the B61-12, while preserving modern safety, security, and targeting features. The production plan ensures the total number of nuclear weapons in the U.S. arsenal remains unchanged, as B61-12 quantities were reduced to accommodate the B61-13. The program now moves toward design validation and full-scale production.
