GAO: B61-12 LEP first production unit delayed, W80-4 LEP cost estimate increased

The B61-12 nuclear warhead life extension program has experienced a schedule delay and the W80-4 LEP’s cost estimate has been raised to $12 billion, according to a watchdog investigation.

National Nuclear Security Administration officials said the B612-12 LEP first production unit's completion date would be pushed back due to potential problems with an electrical part discovered during testing in April, the Government Accountability Office found in a report released yesterday.

NNSA previously estimated the first production unit would be finished this September. The GAO report did not specify the electrical issues that led to the delay.

Meanwhile, as of last January, NNSA projected the W80-4 LEP cost as $12 billion, $2.6 billion higher than the $9.4 billion estimate published in November 2017.

Both these programs reflect joint efforts between the Air Force and Energy Department to maintain the nuclear stockpile. The B61-12 LEP seeks to integrate a Boeing tail kit assembly, while the W80-4 LEP is intended to upgrade the W80-1 warhead for use on the long-range standoff cruise missile.