GAO Watchdog Says First Sentinel ICBM Years Behind Schedule, Won't Fly Until 2028

By The Washington Times February 20, 2026
The Air Force wants to replace the 50-year-old Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile, a key element of the nation's strategic nuclear deterrence, with the new LGM-35 Sentinel ICBM. But the new program is years behind schedule and proving much more costly than originally projected.
GAO Watchdog Says First Sentinel ICBM Years Behind Schedule, Won't Fly Until 2028

GAO Watchdog Says First Sentinel ICBM Years Behind Schedule, Won’t Fly Until 2028 The U.S. Air Force intends to replace the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile with the LGM-35 Sentinel ICBM. This new program is currently behind its projected schedule. Additionally, the Sentinel program is experiencing higher costs than initially anticipated.

  • The Air Force plans to replace the 50-year-old Minuteman III ICBM.
  • The replacement missile is the LGM-35 Sentinel ICBM.
  • The Sentinel program is years behind schedule.
  • The program is also proving more costly than projected.
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