Next-Gen Ground Based Strategic Deterrent ICBM, “SENTINEL” Operational by 2030

Video Above: The US Navy has had a breakthrough – it fired a hypersonic weapon 109 nautical miles in two minutes, a massive development

By Kris Osborn – President & Editor-In-Chief, Warrior Maven

The Air Force’s evolving Ground Based Strategic Deterrent ICBM could not come soon enough, given the age of the existing 1960s-era Minuteman III weapon, perhaps one reason inspiring service Secretary Frank Kendall to name the weapon SENTINEL.

SENTINEL

The new ICBM is slated to arrive at the end of this decade, and has been evolving effectively and quickly in part due to effective digital engineering techniques. The on time arrival of the weapon is considered crucial, as Air Force leaders do not want a capability “gap” between the time Minuteman III becomes fully obsolete and the SENTINEL arrives. 

To mitigate this risk, the Air Force continues to embark upon a series of extensive upgrade, sustainment and modernization programs particular to the Minuteman III to extend its operational functionality and service life. 

As part of this effort, the Pentagon has continued a steady testing pattern for the Minuteman IIIs to ensure that the US retains a viable ICBM capability in the coming years prior to the arrival of the SENTINEL.

The GBSD has been progressing with great success, in large measure due to the successful application of digital engineering techniques which use advanced computer simulation to replicate weapons and technology performance. This expedites development in a substantial way, and advanced computing can effectively determine functionality, efficiency and impact of weapons systems and designs.