Air Force Continues Sentinel ICBM Modernization Efforts Across Three Missile Wings

Officials discuss progress on prototype silo, utility corridor surveys, and local community impacts as Sentinel program moves forward.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:04pm

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A serene, photorealistic painting of a lone missile silo standing tall against a backdrop of rolling hills and a vibrant sunset, capturing the quiet tension and uncertainty surrounding the Sentinel program's local footprint.The Sentinel ICBM program's construction plans raise concerns about the local impact on Montana communities near the missile bases.Choteau Today

The Air Force's Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) modernization program is making steady progress, with officials reporting 'forward aggressive progress' on testing, infrastructure, and community engagement efforts across the three missile wings at F.E. Warren, Malmstrom, and Minot Air Force Bases. Key updates include construction of a full-scale silo prototype, utility corridor surveys, and plans for new access gates, maintenance facilities, and other base infrastructure to support the next-generation ICBM system.

Why it matters

The Sentinel program represents a major overhaul of the nation's land-based nuclear deterrent, replacing the aging Minuteman III ICBM system that has been in service since the 1960s. As the Air Force works to modernize this critical component of the nuclear triad, local communities near the missile wings are closely following the program's development and its potential impacts on roads, workforce needs, and land use.

The details

Peter Sturdivant, the director of intercontinental ballistic missile infrastructure for the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, and Lt. Col. John Mayer, the Sentinel site activation task force commander for Malmstrom Air Force Base, provided updates on the program's progress. This includes testing of individual missile components, plans for a full-scale missile launch at Vandenberg Space Force Base in 2027, and the construction of a prototype silo in Utah to validate a 'modular, cost-effective construction approach' for the 450 future silos. At Malmstrom, the first new Sentinel construction will be a $30 million access gate this spring and summer, followed by $212 million in infrastructure work for power, water, and other utilities starting next year.

  • In February, the Air Force, Northrop Grumman, and Bechtel broke ground on a full-scale silo prototype in Promontory, Utah.
  • Over the next few months, six additional prototyping activities will begin, focused on testing potential construction methods for the launch silos and utility corridors.
  • At Malmstrom, the $30 million new access gate, the first new Sentinel construction on base, will break ground this spring and summer.
  • Next year, Sentinel infrastructure work estimated at $212 million will begin at Malmstrom for power, a new water tower, and other utilities.
  • The initial operating capability for Sentinel is expected in the early 2030s at F.E. Warren Air Force Base.

The players

Peter Sturdivant

Director of intercontinental ballistic missile infrastructure for the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center at Hill Air Force Base in Utah.

Lt. Col. John Mayer

Sentinel site activation task force commander for Malmstrom Air Force Base.

Northrop Grumman

One of the contractors on the Sentinel program.

Bechtel

One of the contractors on the Sentinel program.

Montana Department of Transportation

Involved in a Central Montana traffic study related to the Sentinel program.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Air Force is continuing environmental and cultural surveys in the Malmstrom missile field, particularly at former 564th Missile Squadron sites, to determine if those areas can be used for Sentinel silos. Land acquisition for utility corridors is also planned to start next year.

The takeaway

The Sentinel program represents a major modernization effort for the nation's land-based nuclear deterrent, with the Air Force working closely with local communities to address concerns about infrastructure impacts and prepare for the new ICBM system's deployment across the three missile wings.