The United States Air Force and Northrop Grumman are targeting a first flight of the LGM-35A Sentinel in 2027. The missile will replace the aging Minuteman III and modernize the land-based leg of the US nuclear triad. Initial operational capability is expected in the early 2030s. The program includes upgraded silos, transport systems, command networks, and digital launch support tools. Prototype rocket motors, booster stages, and subsystem tests are already underway. Sentinel is expected to remain operational until at least 2075 and supports a supply chain involving over 500 companies and more than 10,000 workers.
