The Air Force has certified an initial design for the F-35A to carry nuclear bombs, Inside Defense has learned, putting the service months ahead of its January 2023 goal. The Air Force Nuclear Weapon Center approved the certification on Sept. 29 for the platform to carry the B61-12 thermonuclear gravity bomb, spokesman Maj. Joshua Benedetti said in an email to Inside Defense. “The nuclear certification effort will now transition to Air Combat Command to initiate operational certification. Once...