Pentagon wants to prevent delay in purchase of LGM-35A Sentinel nuclear-capable ICBMs worth $96bn

Northrop Grumman is experiencing supply chain and manpower problems that are affecting its LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) development programme. The Department of Defence and the US Air Force have taken steps to minimise the delay in the acquisition programme.

Here's What We Know

The LGM-35A Sentinel is a silo-based ICBM that will be capable of carrying nuclear warheads and will replace the Minuteman III. Deborah Rosenblum, assistant secretary for nuclear, chemical and biological defence programmes, said the Sentinel project is one of the Pentagon's top priorities. The DOD wants a robust intercontinental missile that is part of the nuclear triad.

The Pentagon still plans to get the LGM-35A Sentinel in 2030. However, Deborah Rosenblum stressed that it is premature to talk about an exact date yet, as the schedule could be shifted "right or left". One doesn't have to look far for an example, as the first nine LGM-35A Sentinel missiles were previously expected to go on alert in 2029.

It is also worth noting that the Defence Production Act has given the programme a DX rating. This means that suppliers will have preference. The Pentagon is trying to resolve the manpower issue with the US Air Force.

The LGM-35A Sentinel is being developed to replace the 400 obsolete Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles. Northrop Grumman recently conducted engine tests for the ICBM. The $96bn programme has strong bipartisan support in the US Congress.

This is primarily due to the rapid modernisation of the PRC's nuclear arsenal. In February 2023, the Chinese army had more launchers of intercontinental ballistic missiles than the U.S. armed forces, but fewer actual missiles and warheads.

Source: Breaking Defense