Boeing will help to modernize the B61 free-fall ballistic munition by designing a new tail kit under a $178 million contract from the U.S. Air Force.

The design, development and qualification phase of the B61 (Mod 12) Life Extension Program is expected to run for three years. The program further expands Boeing's Direct Attack weapons portfolio.

The B61 is a U.S. nuclear weapon that was designed in the early 1960s and went into full production in 1968. B61 (Mod 12) will replace obsolete parts and improve its reliability. Per the contract, Boeing will work with the departments of Defense and Energy on this program.

“Boeing has provided a wide range of reliable and affordable direct attack weapon solutions to the warfighter for more than a decade,” said Debbie Rub, Boeing Vice President and General Manager for Missiles and Unmanned Airborne Systems.

“We will apply our proven experience in tail kit production to this platform to effectively upgrade a vital deterrent capability,” Rub added.