Northrop Grumman completes first full vertical assembly of inert Sentinel ICBM for 2027 flight test
NOC•Sentinel ICBM completes first full vertical assembly
Northrop Grumman completed full vertical assembly of an inert Sentinel ICBM in operational orientation at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
- The milestone validated end-to-end integration processes on the test pad, supporting readiness to proceed toward a live flight test in 2027.
- First flight test Critical Design Review confirmed design maturity and hardware testing aligned with Air Force performance, safety, schedule requirements.
- The program targets missiles on alert in the early 2030s, positioning Sentinel as the replacement for the ground-based leg of U.S. nuclear deterrence.
