Boeing Wins $127.6M for Nuclear Bomb Life Extension

Boeing has won a $127.6 million modification contract for the United States Air Force's B61-12 nuclear bomb life extension program.

The new contract covers Lot 1 and Lot 2 long lead items, bringing the cumulative value of the previously awarded contract to $131.9 million, the Defense Department announced Friday.

Work will be performed in Saint Charles, Mo., with completion expected by August 31, 2020.

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), which is part of the Energy Department, wants to extend the life of the B61 nuclear gravity bomb by at least 20 years, as well as increase the security, performance and safety of the weapon system, according to a report by UPI. 

The first production of the 12-variant unit will occur in fiscal year 2020. The bomb will be approximately 12 feet long and weigh about 825 pounds.

The NNSA has asked for $793 million in fiscal year 2020 to continue developing and begin production of the B61-12 gravity bomb life-extension program, and $899 million to refurbish the existing warhead by the new air-launched cruise missile under development by the Air Force, according to the Arms Control Association.