Pentagon requests $33.7bn for nuclear modernisation, including $4.3bn for development of LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM

The US Department of Defence's FY2024 budget request includes tens of billions of dollars for nuclear systems and infrastructure modernisation. This includes the development of the LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

Here's What We Know

We wrote today that the Department of Defence and the US Air Force will work together to ensure that the Sentinel programme is not delayed. According to preliminary estimates, the first ICBMs should be operational in 2030.

The draft budget for FY2024 calls for $4.3 billion to be allocated for research and development of the LGM-35A Sentinel. If the U.S. Congress approves the request, it would mean a $700 million increase in funding over FY2023.

Spending on Sentinel is part of a $37.7 billion package that the Defense Department wants to spend on modernizing nuclear forces and infrastructure across the board. Compared to FY2023, the amount will increase by about $3.3 billion.

This investment guarantees that every part of the nuclear triad will be modernized. Congress praises the Sentinel project against the backdrop of China's modernisation of its nuclear forces. In the winter, it was revealed that the Chinese army already has more ICBM launchers than the US.

In addition, the Pentagon plans to invest $7 billion to recapitalize the nuclear command and control architecture, $6.2 billion to develop the Columbia-class strategic missile cruiser project, $5.3 billion for the B-21 Raider nuclear bomber program and about $1 billion for the LRSO nuclear cruise missile. The DOD will also allocate nearly $500 million to extend the life of Trident II (D5) ballistic missiles.

Source: Breaking Defense