• Air Force expects its next-generation LGM-35A Sentinel nuclear missile to reach initial capability in the early 2030s. • The updated timeline follows a sweeping overhaul of the over-budget program. • Officials say they will complete the restructuring effort by the end of 2026. • The Sentinel, built by Northrop Grumman, will replace the aging LGM-30G Minuteman III. • The Minuteman III entered service more than 50 years ago. • The Air Force says it has exceeded its expected service life.

Article Summaries:

  • US Air Force sets early 2030s debut for $141 billion Sentinel ICBM nuclear missile The Air Force says its next-gen nuclear deterrent, Sentinel, remains critical despite a critical breach, cost reset, and early-2030s deployment timeline. The U.S. Air Force expects its next-generation LGM-35A Sentinel nuclear missile to reach initial capability in the early 2030s. The updated timeline follows a sweeping overhaul of the over-budget program. Officials say they will complete the restructuring effort by the end of 2026. The Sentinel, built by Northrop Grumman, will replace the aging LGM-30G Minutema

Sources: