The US Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) announced the development of America’s latest nuclear weapon.

The B61-12 Life Extension Program First Production Unit is a more accurate and lower-yield variant of the nuclear gravity bomb, capable of being air-dropped — either through “gravity or guided drop modes.”

Since its first deployment in 1968, the B61, deployed from US Air Force and NATO bases, has undergone multiple modifications….

In its latest iteration, the bomb has had all of its nuclear and non-nuclear components refurbished or replaced to extend its life. Full-scale production is scheduled from May 2022 through 2026.