Northrop Grumman and U.S. Air Force assemble Sentinel missile for 2027 flight tests

Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Air Force have successfully completed the vertical assembly of an inert Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This milestone, part of the ‘Pathfinder’ exercise, demonstrates the successful integration of all missile stages, propulsion elements, and components into a single operational configuration.

The assembly validates the readiness of specialized transport, mobile crane operations, and interface verification processes required for future flight tests. Additionally, the 719th Test Squadron and Northrop Grumman finalized the first flight test Critical Design Review, confirming that the missile’s design maturity and hardware testing meet Air Force requirements for safety, performance, and schedule.

The Sentinel program is intended to replace the Minuteman III as a key component of the nation’s strategic deterrence. While this achievement marks a transition from component testing to integrated system demonstration, the program faces ongoing challenges regarding software risks and cost overruns. The missile is currently on track for flight testing in 2027.