Sentinel Test Launch Next Year, IOC In Early 2030s, USAF Says

The U.S. Air Force is now planning for its first missile pad test launch of its next intercontinental ballistic missile next year as it aims to wrap a program review by the end of 2026.

The Northrop Grumman LGM-35A Sentinel program has been beset by large-scale cost overruns and delays, prompting a mandatory review and new schedule. The service said Feb. 17 that it now aims for that process to wrap by the end of this year after up to 18 months of progress.

The Air Force expects a new Milestone B acquisition decision at the end of the year with initial operational capability by the early 2030s—back from the originally expected 2029.

In the announcement, the Air Force said the first test launch from a pad will happen sometime in 2027.

This month, the program will break ground on a prototype launch silo at Northrop Grumman’s facility in Promontory, Utah. The construction of the launch silos and alert facilities have been the largest cause of delays, with extensive redesigns required to fit the missile and outfit the alert facilities with the requisite technology for the new system.

This summer, crews at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, will “validate utility corridor construction methods,” a step needed for the installation of thousands of miles of secure infrastructure, the service says.

The Air Force has begun construction of new permanent facilities, including the first of three wing command centers at F.E. Warren, along with test facilities at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.

As part of a broader reorganization of acquisition processes, the Pentagon has created a new role of Direct Reporting Program Manager to oversee top programs including Sentinel. Gen. Dale White has been confirmed for the role, where he will also oversee ongoing Minuteman III ICBM work along with the Boeing F-47, the Northrop Grumman B-21 and the VC-25B future “Air Force One.” Since taking the role, White conducted a review of Sentinel and determined it was on track to complete the restructure this year.

In the announcement, White said his role has authority to make decisions on programs by shifting resources “and move with the speed required to deliver credible deterrence—while preserving the discipline this mission demands.”