The U.S. Air Force is facing complications in its LGM-35A Sentinel nuclear missile program, necessitating the construction of entirely new missile silos. This decision arises due to challenges in adapting existing Minuteman III silos, which is expected to result in further delays and budget overruns for a program already under scrutiny.
Initially, the Air Force planned to modify the silos that currently house the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), as this would offer a more efficient approach than constructing new facilities. However, a test project conducted at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California highlighted significant issues, leading to a conclusion that continuing down this path would exacerbate the program’s timeline and budget problems.
An Air Force spokesperson commented on the situation, indicating that ongoing analysis has unveiled unacceptable risks relating to costs, schedules, and performance of the weapon system attributed to the original strategy of converting Minuteman III silos. To mitigate these risks, the Air Force aims to build new silos on predominantly Air Force-owned land, which may involve reusing existing missile sites but will not repurpose the 55-year-old silos currently in use.
The Sentinel program is intended to replace the aging Minuteman III ICBMs, which serve as a crucial component of the United States’ land-based nuclear deterrent. This massive modernization effort, being undertaken by Northrop Grumman, involves widespread construction across the Great Plains region and was initially projected to cost $77.7 billion. However, costs have soared considerably, prompting a critical Nunn-McCurdy breach review in January 2024.
Following the review, the Pentagon determined that the Sentinel program is vital for national security but required restructuring to contain costs. This restructuring revealed additional potential complications in the program’s execution. During a March 2024 briefing, a Northrop Grumman official stated that while there is no current plan to excavate new silos, the examination of existing ones may reveal issues that necessitate the creation of new installations.
In remarks made on April 30, 2024, General Thomas Bussiere, head of Air Force Global Strike Command, acknowledged the challenges posed by the Nunn-McCurdy review, but also noted it presents an opportunity to reassess the design and application of ICBM facilities. He mentioned the Air Force’s exploration of repurposing land associated with the Minuteman silos while also seeking additional federal land for future ICBM sites.
As the Air Force transitions from older analog to new digital command-and-control systems with the Sentinel program, Bussiere emphasized the importance of maintaining a minimum number of ICBMs on alert to uphold the nation’s nuclear deterrent. He compared the project’s potential scale to the construction of the interstate highway system under the Eisenhower administration, asserting the complexities involved in balancing operational and maintenance needs with the acquisition processes.
Lastly, Stephen Losey serves as the air warfare reporter for Defense News, previously covering significant military and personnel issues for platforms such as Air Force Times and Military.com.
