Why the USAF's Sentinel ICBM faces multiple challenges
A rendering of the LGM-35A Sentinel missile. (Photo: US DoD)
Although it has survived the Nunn-McCurdy Review, the Sentinel ICBM programme must get Congressional support and extra resources to progress.
The US Air Force (USAF) is facing more obstacles over the next few years to its plan to modernise the ground-based leg of the nuclear triad even after the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) programme survived the DoD’s Nunn-McCurdy Review.
Planned to replace the Minuteman III ICBM (MMIII), the size and scope of the Sentinel initiative as well as the financial resources it requires may well hamper the USAF’s ability to progress with it.
Speaking in a webinar conducted by US-based think tank Brookings Institution, the Undersecretary of the Air Force, Melissa Dalton claimed that the modernisation of the ICBM capability
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
![Mayman Aerospace’s RAZOR drone completes first round of test flights]()
Mayman Aerospace’s RAZOR drone completes first round of test flights
The successful test flights of RAZOR were undertaken at a military base in southern California, where seven autonomous mission sets were completed. Additional test flights have been scheduled for later this year.
-
![What the retirement of the KC-10 Extender means for the US Air Force]()
What the retirement of the KC-10 Extender means for the US Air Force
The tanker will be replaced by the KC-46A Pegasus, which is a more capable platform in terms of avionics, but with less payload capacity.
-
![F-16 not dead yet in Thailand despite RTAF’s selection of Gripen]()
F-16 not dead yet in Thailand despite RTAF’s selection of Gripen
Lockheed Martin and Saab have both delivered updated offset proposals to Thailand’s air force with contracts yet to be signed on any deal.
-
![The Philippines prepares for high-end fighter operations]()
The Philippines prepares for high-end fighter operations
The Southeast Asian country’s air force is broadening the warfighting mission sets of its FA-50PH by shifting focus towards offensive counter air, defensive counter air and ground attack missions.
-
![UK RAF Wedgetail AEW&C completes first flight]()
UK RAF Wedgetail AEW&C completes first flight
The future UK E-7 fleet will operate from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland and the inaugural test flight is of one of three aircraft currently under modification in Birmingham, UK, where the flight took off from.
