Sentinel Restructure to Finish 2026, Initial Capability Set

Air Force's plan for next-generation nuclear deterrent on track to deliver in early 2030s

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The U.S. Air Force has rolled out its plan for the LGM-35A Sentinel program, which will deliver the nation's next-generation, modernized, land-based nuclear deterrent. Leveraging progress over the last 12-18 months, the program is executing a transformed acquisition strategy to complete the restructure and achieve a Milestone B decision by the end of 2026, while delivering an initial capability targeted for the early 2030s.

Why it matters

The Sentinel program is a comprehensive, once-in-a-generation modernization of the entire land-based leg of the nuclear triad, a key component of the nation's integrated deterrence posture. Accelerating this critical modernization effort is a top priority to ensure the U.S. maintains a credible nuclear deterrent.

The details

To speed up the process, the Department of War established a Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager (DRPM) for Critical Major Weapon Systems, which places programs like Sentinel under a single empowered leader. This allows for faster decision-making and resolution of cross-cutting issues. The program has also made significant technical progress, including assembling the first complete three-stage ground test missile and completing qualification tests of the rocket motors.

  • In August 2025, the Department of War established the DRPM for Critical Major Weapon Systems.
  • In the fall of 2025, the program assembled Sentinel's first complete three-stage ground test missile.
  • In July 2025, the Air Force and Northrop Grumman successfully completed a full-scale qualification test of Sentinel's Stage-2 solid rocket motor.
  • In September 2025, the program completed the critical design review for the Sentinel Launch Support System.
  • In the fall of 2025, AFGSC took the first Minuteman III silo offline, a step in the transition from Minuteman III to Sentinel.

The players

Pete Hegseth

Secretary of War who established the Department of War Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager (DRPM) for Critical Major Weapon Systems.

Gen. Dale White

Director of Critical Major Weapon Systems, responsible for overseeing the Sentinel program restructure.

Gen. S.L. Davis

Commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, leading the operational transition and readiness for the Sentinel program.

U.S. Navy Adm. Richard Correll

Commander of U.S. Strategic Command, responsible for deterring strategic attack.

Northrop Grumman

The industry partner working with the Air Force on the Sentinel program.

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What they’re saying

“The DRPM has the direct authority to make decisions, informed by integrated inputs across the enterprise and in alignment with the mission priorities set by the Secretary of War and the Secretary for the Air Force. That construct allows us to resolve tradeoffs quickly and move with the speed required to deliver credible deterrence - while preserving the discipline this mission demands.”

— Gen. Dale White, Director, Critical Major Weapon Systems (Mirage News)

“Our Global Strike Airmen operate the land-based ICBM force foundational to our nation's defense, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The activation of these SATAF detachments and turnover of the first Minuteman III silo is a clear signal: we are making real, tangible progress in accelerating the Sentinel program and fielding significantly improved long-range strike capabilities.”

— Gen. S.L. Davis, Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command (Mirage News)

“A modern, reliable ICBM force complicates an adversary's decision-making and provides the President with credible options - the very cornerstone of strategic deterrence. The deliberate progress being made on Sentinel ensures, that for decades to come, there will be no doubt in the minds of our adversaries about the credibility and readiness of our nation's nuclear deterrent. That is the ultimate deliverable.”

— U.S. Navy Adm. Richard Correll, Commander, U.S. Strategic Command (Mirage News)

What’s next

This month (February), teams will break ground on a prototype launch silo at Northrop Grumman's Promontory, Utah, site. This crucial effort will allow engineers to test and refine modern construction techniques, validating the new silo design before work begins in the missile fields.

The takeaway

The Sentinel program's restructured acquisition strategy and technical progress demonstrate the Air Force's commitment to delivering a modernized, land-based nuclear deterrent capability to the warfighter as quickly and efficiently as possible. This effort is critical to maintaining the credibility of the U.S. nuclear deterrent in the face of evolving threats.