German Tornado Jets Carrying Nuclear Bombs in U.S. Training Exercise

Recently, two German Tornado fighter jets were spotted at Edwards Air Force Base in California, drawing significant attention due to their cargo—a B61-12 nuclear bomb trainer. This sighting, shared on social media by user TaskForce23, highlights Germany's active role in NATO’s nuclear strategy.

The B61-12 bomb is a modern variant of the B61 family, distinguished by its adjustable explosive yields, which can reach up to 50 kilotons of TNT. For perspective, the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 had yields of 15 and 25 kilotons, respectively. The version seen at Edwards was a trainer model, designed for non-explosive training purposes.

Sören Schmelz, a spokesperson for the German Bundeswehr Procurement Office, explained that these jets were in the U.S. as part of the "Silent Companion 24" campaign. "Both aircraft are currently in the U.S. for testing, which took place at Edwards Air Force Base, while instrumentation was conducted at the Tonopah Test Range in Nevada," Schmelz said. The aircraft are expected to return to Germany between September 11 and 13.

The Tornado jets, Germany’s current platform for nuclear delivery under NATO's nuclear sharing arrangements, are set to be replaced by the F-35 in the near future. This testing is a key aspect of Germany’s contribution to NATO's nuclear deterrence strategy, ensuring the country's readiness and compliance with its obligations within the alliance, especially in light of escalating global tensions.

This demonstration not only underscores Germany's commitment to NATO's nuclear posture but also reflects the ongoing evolution and testing of nuclear capabilities within the alliance.