The Sentinel nuclear warhead program, developed by Northrop Grumman, is currently facing an 81% cost overrun, with estimated costs reaching nearly $141 billion. Despite the budget challenges, the Pentagon is proceeding with the program, citing the increasing threats posed by China and Russia as a driving force.
This program marks the first significant upgrade to the ground-based component of the nuclear triad in over six decades and aims to replace the aging Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile. The extensive project involves the construction of a new missile, as well as the modernization of 450 silos across five states, launch control centers, three nuclear missile bases, and various testing facilities.
