US tests Minuteman III as Sentinel successor ICBM programme struggles
An unarmed MMIII ICBM was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California on 4 June. (Photo: US Space Force)
In service for nearly 60 years, the Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missile is due to be replaced by the Sentinel, but cost overruns and delays continue to plague this successor programme.
Earlier this week the USAF and US Space Force launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (MMIII ICBM) equipped with one re-entry vehicle. The test comes at a time when the Pentagon is evaluating how to progress with the Sentinel programme which has been experiencing cost overruns and delays.
The MMIII was first deployed in the 1960s. Over the last five decades, the USAF has conducted various life extension efforts to update its component systems.
The ICBM is expected to be replaced by the Sentinel, which should be delivered from 2029 to 2036. This effort comprises production of the missile
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![Companies’ results boom as countries dig deep to buy missiles and air defence systems]()
Companies’ results boom as countries dig deep to buy missiles and air defence systems
Air defence systems are continuing to appear top of countries’ shopping lists but broadly across different capabilities it is a sellers’ market, as demonstrated by backlogs and double-digit percentage point growth.
-
![Details revealed on Germany’s big spending plans]()
Details revealed on Germany’s big spending plans
In May this year, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the government plans to position Germany as “Europe's strongest conventional army”. A new blueprint outlines how this is going to occur through massive investment.
-
![European Council to deliver at “pace and scale” on European defence readiness 2030 roadmap]()
European Council to deliver at “pace and scale” on European defence readiness 2030 roadmap
Two of the concrete projects outlined in the readiness report, the European Air Shield and Space Shield, will aim to be launched by Q2 2026.
-
![Malaysia’s defence budget sets out major procurement goals for 2026]()
Malaysia’s defence budget sets out major procurement goals for 2026
The country has allocated RM21.70 billion for defence spending next year, with some major procurements set to be initiated across the country’s army, navy and air force.
-
![GAO highlights the need for more commercial data and availability improvements]()
GAO highlights the need for more commercial data and availability improvements
The US Government Accountability Office recently released two reports; one into the availability of selected equipment and another looking at how the government gets data and intellectual property rights through contracting.
