US Struggles to Meet Deadlines for Sentinel ICBM Program
The Air Force's ambitious plan to replace the aging Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile with the new LGM-35 Sentinel ICBM is facing significant delays and cost overruns, according to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) watchdog.
The GAO has reported that the first Sentinel ICBM is years behind schedule and is now not expected to fly until 2028. This delay is a setback for the nation's strategic nuclear deterrence efforts, as the Sentinel ICBM is a crucial component of the modernization plans.
The Air Force had aimed to retire the 50-year-old Minuteman III missile in favor of the newer and more advanced Sentinel ICBM. However, the program has hit numerous roadblocks, leading to increased costs and extended timelines.
The GAO's findings highlight the challenges faced by the military in implementing complex and high-profile defense projects. The delay in the Sentinel ICBM program underscores the importance of robust oversight and accountability measures to ensure the successful modernization of the country's strategic defense capabilities.