Pentagon Continues $140 Billion Sentinel ICBM Replacement Despite Cost Overruns and Delays

Jul 8, 2024, 09:05 PM

The Pentagon has decided to continue with the replacement of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) despite significant cost overruns and delays. The Defense Department emphasized the vital need for a new ground-based nuclear missile system, even though the program, known as the Sentinel, is projected to be years behind schedule and 81% over budget. The program, which has faced funding problems earlier this year that threatened to trigger congressional sanctions, has been greenlit with an estimated cost of $140 billion. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirmed the commitment to the program on Monday, July 8. The US military confirmed these details.