AFI13-520 — Aircraft And Icbm Nuclear Operations

AFI13-520 governs aircraft and intercontinental ballistic missile nuclear operations and sets mandatory compliance requirements.

Search AFI13-520

  • Publication number: AFI13-520
  • Title: AIRCRAFT AND ICBM NUCLEAR OPERATIONS
  • Date: 2021-07-27

View AFI13-520 on armypubs.army.mil


It establishes guidance for organizing, training, equipping, certifying, decertifying, and operationally restricting forces. Its chapters address bomber, intercontinental ballistic missile, and mobility nuclear operations, along with command relationships, training, planning, and security information.

Applies to: This instruction applies to all Regular Air Force, Air National Guard of the United States, Air Force Reserve, civilian personnel, and contractors tasked with the responsibility to train, operate, maintain, control, safeguard, inspect, manage, account for, or perform nuclear operations tasks.

Topics covered

  • Bomber nuclear operations
  • Intercontinental ballistic missile nuclear operations
  • Mobility nuclear operations
  • Nuclear execution authority
  • Classification and security information
  • Certification, qualification, and training programs
  • Combat mission folders

Questions and answers

How must records created under AFI13-520 be handled?

Ensure that all records created as a result of processes prescribed in this publication are maintained in accordance with Air Force Manual (AFMAN) 33-363, Management of Records, and disposed of in accordance with the Air Force Records Information Management System Air Force Records Disposition Schedule.

Who can waive wing or unit requirements in AFI13-520?

The authorities to waive wing/unit level requirements in this publication are identified with a Tier (“T-0, T-1, T-2, T-3”) number following the compliance statement.

How are waiver requests under AFI13-520 submitted?

Submit requests for waivers through the chain of command to the appropriate Tier waiver approval authority, or alternately, to the requestors commander for nontiered compliance items.

How are recommendations for changes to AFI13-520 submitted?

Refer recommended changes and questions about this publication to the Office of Primary Responsibility using the Air Force (AF) Form 847, Recommendation for Change of Publication.

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