Comment: Review of Sentinel citing GAO Report from last September dealing with risks.
Wonder how the risk mitigation will look this September?
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https://thedefensepost.com/2026/05/11/lgm35-sentinel-icbm-guide/
"Sentinel ICBM: Rebuilding America’s
Ground-Based Nuclear Deterrent"
Quote:
At a Glance
| Category: |
Details: |
| Type |
Land-based intercontinental ballistic missile |
| Role |
Strategic nuclear deterrence; replacement for Minuteman III in US nuclear triad |
| Developer |
Northrop Grumman as prime contractor |
| Operator |
US Air Force (Air Force Global Strike Command) |
| Range |
6,000+ miles (9,656 kilometers) |
| Propulsion |
Intercontinental (exact range classified; estimated >10,000-kilometer/6,214-mile class capability) |
| Speed |
Mach 23 (28,400 kilometers/17,647 miles per hour) at burnout |
| Ceiling |
700 miles (1,126 kilometers) |
| Warhead |
Designed for W87-1 thermonuclear warhead (single-warhead configuration planned, with future growth potential) |
| Power plant |
Three solid-propellant rocket motors |
| Launch Platform |
Hardened underground silos (new-build infrastructure replacing Minuteman III-era facilities) |
| Deployment Timeline |
Development in 2020s; initial capability projected for the early 2030s |
| Inventory |
400
|
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https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-25-108466.pdf
https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-25-108466
"ICBM MODERNIZATION
Air Force Actions Needed to Expeditiously Address Critical Risks to
Sentinel Transition"
Quote:
Fast Facts
DOD is replacing the Air Force's Minuteman III missile—which is over 50 years old—with the new Sentinel system. The transition is the most complex project the service has undertaken.
But the Air Force hasn't developed a risk management plan for this transition. A risk management plan would outline how to anticipate, analyze, and solve problems.
Also, the Air Force may need to operate Minuteman III for 25 more years because of Sentinel delays and increasing costs. It needs a plan to address the risks associated with maintaining the aging system. Parts may no longer be available, for example.
Our recommendations address these issues and more.
