Pantex completes first B61-13 nuclear bomb unit after B61-12 finale
The milestone, achieved in partnership with PanTeXas Deterrence LLC, marks the latest advance in the United States' nuclear modernization efforts.
"In this geopolitical environment, the Nuclear Security Enterprise performs work that saves the world every day,' said Jason Armstrong, manager of the NNSA's Pantex Field Office. 'Through meticulous planning, strong partnerships, and exceptional execution, Pantex and the rest of the enterprise continue to fulfill our mission of protecting America and its allies to help ensure global security.'
The B61 nuclear bomb has been in service since 1968. Over the past decade, it underwent an extensive Life Extension Program (LEP) to replace aging components and extend its service life by at least 20 years. That effort culminated in the B61-12, the largest weapons modification ever executed by the Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE).
Now, the B61-13 builds on that groundwork with updated features and streamlined production processes.
'The FPU is just the start,' said Kelly Beierschmitt, president and general manager of Pantex. 'With every unit comes progress and an enhanced ability for the NSE to deliver if or when the need arises. We do this work to protect our nation, our families, and our communities.'
According to Pantex Program Manager Taylor Massey, the B61-13 was developed using a phased approach, allowing engineers to move quickly from design to testing and assembly by leveraging the established design of the B61-12.
'Modernization programs typically follow a detailed product realization process,' Massey said. 'We tailored our approach to accelerate readiness, developing procedures, tooling and testers that allowed us to produce an FPU within a year.'
Six NNSA sites contributed to the development and production of the B61-13: Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Kansas City National Security Campus, Y-12 National Security Complex, Savannah River Site, and Pantex.
The program reached full authorization in March and is scheduled to enter full-scale production this summer, with completion targeted for fiscal year 2027.
'There are over 200 parts involved in a single unit of the B61-13,' said Mickey Brown, B61 technical lead at Pantex. 'Almost all of those parts are produced by external partners within the NSE, then shipped to us for final assembly.'
Massey added that the team's ability to meet aggressive timelines underscores Pantex's capacity for agility and performance.
'Following NNSA guidance to be more agile and flexible has shown we can meet designated production targets,' he said. 'That flexibility extends across everything from engineering and safety evaluations to the technicians on the floor meeting demanding schedules.'
This achievement, Massey said, demonstrates that Pantex remains at the forefront of the nation's nuclear production efforts, driven by a skilled and collaborative workforce dedicated to national defense.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Pantex finishes first B61-13 nuclear gravity bomb, begins new production phase
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