NNSA Completes B61-13 Canned Subassembly Production at Y-12 Seven Months Ahead of Schedule

Under President Trump’s leadership, NNSA is strengthening our nation’s nuclear deterrent and advancing critical modernization efforts ahead of schedule

WASHINGTON – The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) announced today that the Y-12 National Security Complex has completed production of the B61-13 Canned Subassemblies (CSAs) required to support the last production unit needs for the B61-13 program. 

The complete production cycle for this component—including manufacturing and formal acceptance testing—was finished approximately seven months ahead of schedule.  The latest milestone demonstrates that the Nuclear Security Enterprise is moving with urgency to deliver our nuclear deterrent ahead of schedule to the warfighter and delivering on President Trump’s promises.

“Our adversaries are rapidly modernizing and expanding their nuclear arsenals, so modernizing America’s stockpile has never been more urgent,” said NNSA Administrator Brandon Williams. “The Nuclear Security Enterprise is delivering critical capabilities at speed and strengthening the industrial capacity needed to stay ahead of evolving global threats. By executing our modernization programs ahead of schedule, we are strengthening America’s deterrent and supporting President Trump’s commitment to peace through strength.”

In a two-stage thermonuclear weapon, the canned subassembly consists of the “secondary” stage capsule and other components sealed within a metal container. Together with the “primary,” the component is part of the weapon's nuclear explosive package.

Following the conclusion of final verification activities, the final B61-13 CSA was diamond-stamped by NNSA Principal Deputy Administrator Scott Pappano on September 1, certifying it as War Reserve quality and approved for use within the U.S. nuclear stockpile. Once completed at Y-12, subassemblies are shipped to the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas, for assembly into the B61‑13s, which are then delivered to the Department of War.

“Executing this build and acceptance schedule in less than two years demonstrates the capability and commitment of our workforce at Y-12 and our design agency partners,” Consolidated Nuclear Security President and CEO Todd Ailes said. “Our teams streamlined production steps while maintaining strict adherence to manufacturing and quality specifications to urgently respond to national security needs.”

A mainstay of the air leg of the United States’ nuclear Triad, the B61 is the longest-serving and most versatile weapon in the U.S. stockpile. The B61-13 modification involves the use of proven production capabilities that supported the B61-12 program. The B61-13 incorporates the same modern safety, security, and accuracy features as the B61-12 but features a yield oriented to defeat certain harder and large-area military targets.