Northrop Grumman and U.S. Air Force Assemble First Sentinel ICBM

FALLS CHURCH, Va., Sept. 14, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Air Force have made significant progress in the development of the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), bringing the next-generation missile closer to operational readiness. The companies have successfully assembled the first fully integrated Sentinel missile, marking a critical milestone in the program's development.

The inert missile was assembled in its operational orientation at Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB), a process that involved the safe stacking of all missile stages, propulsion elements, and associated components. This vertical assembly is a crucial step in validating the design and integration of the Sentinel missile, ensuring it meets the stringent requirements for flight testing in 2027.

Northrop Grumman engineers have meticulously coordinated every step of the assembly process, from the specialized transport of missile components to the use of mobile cranes for the precise stacking operation. This complex and precise operation is essential for the successful launch of the Sentinel missile and the overall mission success.

In parallel, the U.S. Air Force's 719th Test Squadron completed the first flight test Critical Design Review, confirming that the missile's design maturity and hardware testing meet the Air Force's requirements for performance, safety, and schedule. This review is a significant step in ensuring the Sentinel missile is ready for its flight test in 2027.

The Sentinel program is a modernization of the nation's ground-based leg of the strategic nuclear triad. Northrop Grumman leads a nationwide team of over 500 partners under an engineering and manufacturing development contract to deliver an all-new, advanced, and highly capable ICBM weapon system. The program aims to provide ground-based nuclear capabilities that remain strong and reliable for decades to come.

The Pathfinder demonstration, a dry-run exercise, involved the transport of missile components from across the United States to VSFB. This exercise included rigorous mechanical operations such as transportation, mobile crane use, and safe vertical integration, all while validating interface connections on the test pad. The process was meticulously coordinated to meet the stringent Air Force requirements, ensuring the safe stacking of the inert missile.

The successful assembly of the Sentinel missile is a testament to the collaborative efforts between Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Air Force. It marks a significant step forward in the development of the next-generation ICBM, bringing the United States closer to fielding a modern, reliable, and advanced strategic deterrent.