WASHINGTON — The National Nuclear Security Administration has authorized the B61-12 warhead life-extension program to enter the production-engineering phase.
The decision marks the final development phase prior to actual production. The NNSA says the first production unit of the weapon is planned for fiscal year 2020.
“Reaching this next phase of the B61-12 LEP is a major achievement for NNSA and the exceptionally talented scientists and engineers whose work underpins this vital national security mission,” NNSA head retired Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz said in a statement. “Currently, the B61 contains the oldest components in the US arsenal. This LEP will add at least an additional 20 years to the life of the system.”
It's about time.
By the way, the real news is buried deeper in the article.
The Air Force just started a new program known as GBSD, or Ground Based Strategic Deterrent. That is, the replacement for the almost 50 year old LGM-30G Minuteman III ICBM.
The Air Force also began a Long Range Stand Off program to replace the 1970s era AGM-86B Air Launched Cruise Missile.
In the generation since the end of the Cold War, our strategic forces have suffered from benign neglect, and it is good to see that as tensions are rising again worldwide, they are finally receiving some attention.
XBradTC 
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