U.S. Air Force Targets 2026 Milestone, Early 2030s Fielding for Sentinel ICBM Program

The U.S. Air Force has detailed its revised acquisition and transition plan for the LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile program, aiming to complete restructuring this year, secure a Milestone B decision by the end of 2026 and field initial capability in the early 2030s.

Sentinel will replace the aging LGM-30 Minuteman III and modernize the land-based leg of the U.S. nuclear triad, including new missiles, launch facilities and command-and-control infrastructure designed for long-term adaptability.

In August last year, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth created a Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager (DRPM) for Critical Major Weapon Systems, consolidating oversight of major Air Force programs under a single authority reporting to the Deputy Secretary of War.

The Air Force said the structure reduces bureaucratic delays and accelerates decisions across requirements, acquisition, infrastructure and operational transition.

“The DRPM has the direct authority to make decisions, informed by integrated inputs across the enterprise and in alignment with the mission priorities set by the Secretary of War and the Secretary for the Air Force,” said Gen. Dale White, director of Critical Major Weapon Systems. “That construct allows us to resolve tradeoffs quickly and move with the speed required to deliver credible deterrence — while preserving the discipline this mission demands.”

Under the framework, U.S. Strategic Command retains responsibility for strategic deterrence, Air Force Global Strike Command leads operational transition and readiness, and the Department of the Air Force manages acquisition and infrastructure.

White said a detailed review found the program on track to complete restructuring this year, reinforcing the early 2030s target for initial capability.

Technical progress

Development and testing continued during restructuring. In July 2025, the Air Force and Northrop Grumman completed a full-scale qualification test of Sentinel’s Stage-2 solid rocket motor, following Stage-1 qualification in March 2025 and a Stage-2 developmental test in January 2024.

Last fall, the program assembled its first complete three-stage ground test missile for transportation and emplacement pathfinder activities. In September, officials completed the critical design review of the Sentinel Launch Support System, which will support all future test and operational launches.

Last fall, Air Force Global Strike Command took the first Minuteman III silo offline as part of the phased transition to Sentinel.

Site Activation Task Force detachments are operating at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Malmstrom Air Force Base, Minot Air Force Base and Vandenberg Space Force Base to coordinate deactivation, construction and fielding.

“Our Global Strike Airmen operate the land-based ICBM force foundational to our nation’s defense, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” said Gen. S.L. Davis, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command. “The activation of these SATAF detachments and turnover of the first Minuteman III silo is a clear signal: we are making real, tangible progress in accelerating the Sentinel program and fielding significantly improved long-range strike capabilities.”

The Air Force opted to build new silos rather than retrofit 450 sites constructed more than 50 years ago, citing cost uncertainty and safety risks tied to excavation of aging structures.

In February, teams are set to break ground on a prototype launch silo at Northrop Grumman’s Promontory, Utah, facility to validate construction methods before work begins in operational missile fields. Prototyping at F.E. Warren AFB this summer will test utility corridor construction methods to streamline installation of secure infrastructure.

Permanent facility construction is underway, including the first of three new Wing Command Centers at F.E. Warren AFB and new test facilities at Vandenberg SFB. The first missile pad launch is planned for 2027.