The $96-billion Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile programme faces another delay

The US Air Force is once again having problems with its $96bn Sentinel programme, according to the Government Accountability Office (GAO).

Here's What We Know

In recent months, US officials have repeatedly made it clear that the US Air Force could receive the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile with delays. The GAO report indicates that it is scheduled to reach initial operational capability in the second quarter of calendar year 2030, a delay of about 1 year.

The watchdog report says Sentinel is behind schedule because of personnel shortages, problems with classified infrastructure and bureaucratic nuances. The GAO also notes glitches in the supply chain.

The US Air Force had previously planned for Sentinel to reach initial combat readiness in June or even May 2029. Northrop Grumman, which is the prime contractor for the Sentinel program, has not yet commented on GAO's statement regarding the delay.

In conclusion, Sentinel is a silo-based intercontinental ballistic missile. It will carry a nuclear warhead, will replace Minuteman III, and will remain in service until mid-2070s.

Source: Breaking Defense