B61 LIFE EXTENSION PROGRAM

This project supports the B61 Life Extension Program (LEP), a critical national security initiative to modernize a key component of the nuclear triad. The B61 LEP integrates Department of Energy (DOE) efforts to extend the warhead's service life with Department of War (DoW) efforts to develop a modern, guided Tail Kit Assembly (TKA). This ensures the weapon maintains its operational effectiveness and mission characteristics. Programmatic integration of this joint Air Force-led program is accomplished through the B61 LEP Project Officers Group (POG) and its subgroups, in accordance with the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center (AFNWC) Memorandum of Understanding. This project is a new start initiative beginning in FY 2027. No funding was allocated in FY 2025 or FY 2026. The total cost of the B61 LEP Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) effort is $46 million, including RDT&E and procurement of prototype units. The B61 LEP is fully funded across the Future Years Defense Program. Funding will be used to award the prime contract and initiate critical engineering and integration activities. Specifically, this funding will enable: • System Engineering: To ensure the All-Up Round (AUR) technical integration is successful and all system interfaces are properly defined. • Aircraft Integration: To begin software development and testing to ensure the new B61 variant is fully compatible with threshold aircraft mission planning systems. • Test and Evaluation: To fund test planning, range coordination, and support for validation and verification activities, which are critical for eventual nuclear certification. • Program Management: To provide essential government oversight of cost, schedule, and performance, ensuring the program remains on track to deliver this vital capability to the warfighter. The acquisition strategy utilizes a low-risk, expedited Mid-Tier Acquisition (MTA) pathway by modifying the existing, highly reliable B61-12 TKA, which significantly reduces technical and programmatic risk. This funding is critical to maintaining the program's schedule and delivering a modernized, credible deterrent capability. This program element included all necessary expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability.