https://news.northropgrumman.com/sentinel/us-air-force-and-northrop-grumman-assemble-inert-missile-progress-toward-sentinel-flight-testing

"U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman Assemble Inert Missile, Progress Toward Sentinel Flight Testing"

Quote:  14 Sep 2026

Summary

The U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman vertically assembled a fully integrated inert Sentinel missile at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California and secured approval from the U.S. Air Force on Sentinel design maturity for flight test in 2027.

Key Takeaways

• These events mark crucial progress to modernize the ground-based leg of the strategic triad and accelerate initial capability of the system.
• Northrop Grumman is acting with speed and scale to deliver this highly advanced weapon system to the Air Force.

"Northrop Grumman and U.S. Air Force assembled the first fully integrated Sentinel missile, standing vertically atop a test launch pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base as part of the program’s Pathfinder demonstration.
(Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman) "