Publication

This brief examines the decision by the US to extend the life of the B61, one of two nuclear-armed gravity bombs that remain in the US military’s active inventory. More specifically, the text’s authors consider whether it’s really necessary to deploy B61s in Europe; couple them with long-range bombers; or even maintain nuclear-capable tactical aircraft. Overall, the authors 1) contend that the B61 program may not be necessary, in whole or at least in part; 2) contemplate what alternatives are available to the program; and 3) wonder whether it should be modified in cost effective ways.