Why the USAF's Sentinel ICBM faces multiple challenges
A rendering of the LGM-35A Sentinel missile. (Photo: US DoD)
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?
More from Air Warfare
-
Airbus to fly new CUAS UAV prototype this year
The counter-UAS prototype, named Low-cost Air Defence or ‘LOAD’, will be used to combat kamikaze UAS.
-
Taiwan receives first F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft
The aircraft is the first of 66 to be delivered to Taiwan from Lockheed Martin.
-
Boeing to remanufacture five more US Army MH-47G Block II Chinooks
The contract award, worth $240 million, is part of the ongoing effort by the US Army to modernise its Block II Chinook rotorcraft fleet.
-
Avalon 2025: RAAF looks beyond 10 years to when future deliveries may restart
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has been substantially refreshed in the past two decades including F-35A and F/A-18F fighter aircraft, as well as the addition of transport aircraft such as C-17s, C-130 variants and C-27Js. Additional aircraft may only be a medium-term prospect.
-
Avalon 2025: BAE Systems eyes customers for its Strix after initial flight
The Strix test effort suffered a setback last year when the prototype incurred minor damage in a hard landing during its second trial flight.