WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The US Air Force and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) recently tested a refurbished version of the B61-12 nuclear bomb to meet President Barack Obama’s decree to maintain an effective nuclear arsenal, a US Air Force official told Sputnik.
“[B-61s] are undergoing refurbishment through a joint NNSA and Air Force life extension program,” the official told Sputnik on Tuesday when asked about the nuclear bomb test. “[President Obama] has ensured that as long as there are nuclear weapons, we will maintain a safe, secure and effective stockpile… the B-61 Life Extension Program is part of ensuring we fulfil that mandate.”
The US Air Force official argued the testing of an unarmed version of the B61 was solely to ensure that upgraded parts operated properly on a bomb that was built in 1961.
"That flight test was to ensure the refurbishments are successful… this is not a new weapon or new capability,” the official stated.
On Sunday, Nuclear Age Peace Foundation President David Krieger told Sputnik that the very fact that the United States conducted a bomb test signifies that the country has disregarded the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weaponry.
The US nuclear program will complete a first run production of the B61-12 by 2020, according to the NNSA.
A 2013 Congressional report estimated the cost of the life extension program at $8.1 billion, which includes $7.3 billion in direct B61-12 funding.
