US Air Force targets year-end finish for Sentinel ICBM restructuring
The US Air Force intends to complete a restructured acquisition plan for the Sentinel ICBM program by the end of the calendar year, following sharp cost growth and delivery delays. Program documents show the projected program cost sits at roughly $141 billion, and service leaders are packaging a new contracting strategy to reduce risk and clarify milestones. Over the past year-plus officials report steady technical and programmatic adjustments; the Air Force characterizes this as meaningful progress in the last 12–18 months. The rework emphasizes tighter oversight, revised incentive structures for Northrop Grumman, and clearer go/no-go decision points to prevent further schedule slip. That acquisition pivot is designed to preserve industrial capacity while limiting additional budget escalation, but it creates near-term uncertainty for program pacing and congressional funding profiles. Pentagon acquisition staff will likely face fresh scrutiny from committees that already flagged affordability and schedule risks; appropriators could attach conditions to future allocations. Operational planners are watching timelines for force integration because delayed fielding alters strategic posture and sustainment planning for warhead and launcher logistics. If the restructuring reduces technical risk without shifting major costs to the Department of Defense, it could salvage program feasibility; otherwise the Air Force may need to consider mission alternatives or phased delivery. Key semantic adjacencies include the Department of Defense, congressional oversight bodies, and prime contractor supply chains tied to Northrop Grumman. The coming months will test whether the new acquisition approach converts planning changes into enforceable contract terms and measurable schedule improvements.
Dynamic metrics the announcement affects are limited but material:
- Program Cost: $141 billion
- Restructuring Completion Target: End of 2026
- Recent Program Progress Window: 12–18 months
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