Sentinel ICBM program faces major setback as US Air Force suspends key work

The US Air Force has announced a temporary halt in the design and development of key elements for the new Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), citing the need to restructure its development program due to escalating costs.

This decision, which affects critical areas such as command, launch facilities, and related infrastructure, signals a significant shift in the direction of the program, Caliber.Az reports referring to foreign media sources.

A spokesperson for the Air Force confirmed that Northrop Grumman Corporation, the primary contractor, has been instructed to suspend work on several essential segments of the Sentinel ICBM program. Specifically, the suspension impacts the design, testing, and construction of Launch Facility 26 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Peacekeeper Launch Facility at Hill Air Force Base in Utah, and other related facilities, including the Physical Security Systems Test Facility at Dugway and various training centres.

As the Air Force assesses the full extent of necessary adjustments, the project is under review to determine what other areas of development should be postponed or revised. The restructuring decision comes after the Sentinel ICBM program saw a staggering 81% increase in costs, pushing the projected price tag to $141 billion, a significant escalation from earlier estimates.

The restructuring plans, first announced in July 2024, are expected to span 18 to 24 months, according to Northrop Grumman CEO Kathy Worden.

The Sentinel ICBM is intended to replace the ageing Minuteman III missiles, which have been in service since the 1960s. The Pentagon views the new missile as a key component in modernizing the nation's nuclear arsenal.

However, delays are expected, with the first flight test now scheduled for February 2026 — two years later than initially planned. The full deployment of the Sentinel missile system is not anticipated before 2031, further stretching the timeline for the US nuclear force modernization.

The restructuring of the Sentinel program underscores the complexities and challenges involved in developing next-generation nuclear systems. As the US military navigates budgetary constraints and technical obstacles, the future of the Sentinel ICBM remains uncertain, with ongoing adjustments to its scope, timeline, and costs.

By Tamilla Hasanova