First Sentinel flight test expected in 2027, says Northrop Grumman

The U.S. Air Force’s next-generation intercontinental ballistic missile, dubbed Sentinel, is now expected to begin pad launch testing in 2027, “which is earlier than we had anticipated,” according to Northop Grumman’s CEO.

“We have built all the components of the missile and tested them individually,” Kathy Warden said today at an investor conference. “Now, we’ll be bringing that together in the full missile design, development and test program.”

The Sentinels are intended to replace the aging Minuteman III ICBMs, which have been in use for over 50 years, but the program has long been delayed. A February report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office estimated the missile’s first flight would occur in March 2028, about a four-year delay from the original schedule. 

Warden said today “we have all aspects of the program moving at pace, including a prototype that we are building for the launch facilities, which is one of the key developmental areas of the program.”

She added that the program team has “all eyes on to make sure that this important national security capability is fielded on our new schedule and costs, which will be finalized by the end of the year.”

In its proposed budget for fiscal year 2027, the White House requested $4.6 billion for the Sentinel program.