The U.S. Air Force’s Sentinel Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) program, set to replace the aging Minuteman III missiles, is undergoing a Pentagon review due to significant budget overruns. Managed by Northrop Grumman Corp, the program’s costs have soared to an estimated $131 billion, exceeding the initial budget by at least 37%. This increase has triggered the Nunn-McCurdy Act, necessitating a formal justification to Congress for the escalated expenses and an exploration of alternatives.

In 2021, Adm. Charles Richard, commander of U.S. Strategic Command, emphasized the critical need for this modernization, stating the Minuteman III’s obsolescence. He highlighted the impracticality of further extending the life of Minuteman III missiles, citing their age and outdated technology. “That thing is so old, in some cases, the drawings don’t exist anymore, or where we have drawings, they’re like six generations behind the industry standard,” Richard explained. This underscores the strategic imperative for the Sentinel program, despite its burgeoning costs. He added, there are no technicians who fully understand them. “They’re not alive anymore.”

The Sentinel program is a key component of the U.S. nuclear triad, encompassing ground-based ICBMs, nuclear-capable bombers, and submarine-launched nuclear arms. Its modernization is deemed essential for maintaining a robust nuclear deterrent. The program’s projected timeline spans from 2029 through 2075, during which the Sentinel missiles will be integrated into the U.S. military armaments, replacing all 450 Minuteman III missiles.

As the Department of Defense navigates the financial challenges of the Sentinel program, the strategic necessity of a modernized ICBM capability remains a priority for U.S. national security and nuclear deterrence strategies.