US Air Force and Northrop celebrate sentinel missile test success
The United States Air Force and Northrop Grumman have achieved a critical milestone in the development of the Sentinel ICBM missile by conducting a successful rocket engine test.
On March 6, 2023, the United States Air Force, in collaboration with Northrop Grumman Corporation, conducted a successful static test of the first-stage rocket engine of the Sentinel ICBM. The test took place in Promontory, Utah, and is essential for engine design validation, moving the program closer to production and deployment.
Modernization of the American nuclear arsenal
Brig. Gen. William Rogers, who oversees the ICBM program, highlighted the importance of this test within the broader context of modernizing the American nuclear arsenal.
This test is part of a larger initiative to replace the aging Minuteman III missiles. The new Sentinel ICBM is poised to bolster the land-based component of the U.S. nuclear triad, which is vital for maintaining deterrent capabilities. Col. Amanda Okeson, the manager of the Sentinel program, noted that the team is fully committed to achieving this objective.
The future of the Sentinel system
The Sentinel system is expected to replace the fleet of 400 Minuteman III missiles, which have been in service for over 50 years. The newly dubbed LGM-35A Sentinel missile features a range of over 3,400 miles and is designed as a strategic deterrent in the event of a nuclear attack.
Maintenance and training activities will take place at various locations, including Hill Air Force Base in Utah. The existing infrastructure associated with the Minuteman III will be upgraded or replaced to accommodate the new system's requirements.
The development of the Sentinel ICBM underscores the Air Force's commitment to maintaining credible nuclear deterrence as a cornerstone of national security. The program will proceed with meticulous attention to detail and a focus on success to ensure the effectiveness of America's nuclear capabilities for years to come.
