The Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) latest report of major defense acquisition programs found that while several nuclear modernization efforts continue to advance through development and testing, the Sentinel program remains burdened by significant cost, schedule and design challenges.
In its annual review of weapon systems released last week, GAO said the Air Force’s Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) continues to undergo restructuring following the program’s critical Nunn-McCurdy cost breach. The government watchdog cautioned that the program still faces considerable uncertainty, citing ongoing design maturation, the complexity of building missile infrastructure across multiple states, and supply chain and workforce challenges that could further affect cost and schedule.
The report indicates Sentinel remains one of the Defense Department’s highest-risk acquisition efforts despite the restructuring process intended to stabilize the program. The Northrop Grumman-made Sentinel ICBM will eventually replace the Boeing-made Minuteman III as the Air Force’s silo-based, nuclear-armed ICBM.
By contrast, GAO reported steadier progress for the Long Range Standoff (LRSO) weapon, the Air Force’s next-generation nuclear-armed cruise missile. According to the report, the program continues to mature its design and advance through development and flight testing while completing additional design reviews. Although technical risks remain, GAO did not identify the same level of acquisition concern as it did for Sentinel.
The report also highlighted continued progress on two modernization efforts supporting the Air Force’s B-52 bomber fleet. The Commercial Engine Replacement Program is advancing as the Air Force works through manufacturing and aircraft integration challenges associated with installing new engines that are expected to extend the bomber’s service life for decades. Meanwhile, the B-52 Radar Modernization Program continues development and testing, with software integration and schedule execution remaining key areas of focus.
The Navy’s nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile (SLCM-N) program remains in the early stages of development and has not yet encountered the types of acquisition problems affecting programs such as Sentinel.