Sentinel ICBM Explained: Inside America's Next-Generation Nuclear Missile

Northrop Grumman is developing the three-stage solid-fuel LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM for the US Air Force to replace the Minuteman III. Plans call for 400 missiles on alert, 450 silos and over 600 infrastructure facilities; range exceeds 6,000 miles at about Mach 23. First flight test is set for 2027, with readiness in the early 2030s and a program cost of at least $141 billion.

• 400 missiles on alert, 450 silos and over 600 facilities in five states
• Range over 6,000 miles, speed about 15,000 mph (Mach 23)
• First flight test planned for 2027, readiness in the early 2030s
• Program cost estimated at a minimum of $141 billion