Comment: Not understanding the "Civil Engineering" aspect of Sentinel strikes again! Very glad time will be well spent getting a better understanding of the condition of the silos as Minuteman III will be using them for what now looks like quite some time.
https://www.airandspaceforces.com/air-force-significantly-change-sentinel-silos/
May 6, 2025 | By Chris Gordon
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"The LGM-35A Sentinel in its launch silo. Shown here in a design illustration, Sentinel will cost less than extending the life of the current ICBM fleet—the aging Minuteman III. USAF/illustration"
Quote:
Air Force officials are now looking at altering the acquisition strategy for the program.
“The program right now is reaching out to industry to understand how we might better construct a program on how to get after that particular [command and launch] segment,” Ashworth said. “By the end of the summer, they should have collected enough information, analyzed it, and put it back together to see if we’re going to stay with the current acquisition strategy or significantly change it. I imagine we’re significantly going to change it based upon that strategy.”
The Air Force plans to field Sentinel as a one-for-one replacement for the 400 currently deployed Minuteman III missiles, which represent one of three legs of the U.S. nuclear triad.
The Air Force has ICBM wings at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo.; Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont.; and Minot Air Force Base, N.D. Missile fields are spread out over five states—Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wyoming.
“Part of the requirements, initially—10 years ago when this program was started—was to reuse the holes, the missile holes at the launch facilities. That was believed to be more efficient, more cost effective, and quicker,” Air Force Global Strike Command boss Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere said during remarks at ANWA Deterrence Center Forum on April 30. “Shockingly enough … that may not be the answer.”
An Air Force spokesperson confirmed reusing Minuteman III silos was no longer considered to be a viable option.
