March 9, 2024 (EIRNS)—Breaking Defense reported yesterday that certification of the F-35A stealth fighter to carry the B61-12 nuclear bomb has been completed. F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) spokesman Russ Goemaere said the certification was achieved Oct. 12, months ahead of a pledge to NATO allies that the process would wrap by January 2024. Certain F-35As will now be capable of carrying the B61-12, officially making the stealth fighter a “dual-capable” aircraft that can carry both conventional and nuclear weapons.