Northrop Grumman and U.S. Air Force Accelerate Prototyping to Support Sentinel Launch Silo Design

PROMONTORY, Utah – March 27, 2026 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) and the U.S. Air Force are advancing their efforts in the prototyping of the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile system’s launch silo tube through a concept test. This launch silo tube represents the cornerstone of the innovative modular infrastructure design concept, developed in partnership with Bechtel. This strategic initiative aims to enhance future maintainability, lower overall costs for the Sentinel program, and facilitate the establishment of 450 new Sentinel launch silos. The modernized Sentinel program is integral to the nation’s strategic nuclear triad and is intended to remain operational through 2075.

Why it Matters

• Rapid Prototyping & Technical Producibility: Following a concept review by the Air Force, Northrop Grumman and Bechtel commenced work on the launch silo tube within just three months. This initial prototype will serve to validate the structural design and construction methodology, demonstrating readiness to scale up production.
• Accelerate Delivery and Performance: Northrop Grumman intends to significantly shorten the previously multi-year silo-development timeline, employing a streamlined construction approach that mitigates risks and hastens the fielding process ahead of flight tests.
• Cost Control with New Launch Silo: The newly envisioned design aims to quicken the deployment while also controlling expenses associated with the project.
• Future-Ready Maintenance: The design emphasizes ease of maintenance, tailored to meet the operational needs of airmen while enhancing overall efficiency and driving down long-term costs.

Expert Voices:
Sarah Willoughby, vice president and general manager of Strategic Deterrent Systems at Northrop Grumman, stated, “Sentinel is a national security priority, and proving the launch silo concept is essential to establishing a repeatable approach that will hasten the deployment of a fully operational Sentinel system. This shift in silo construction will enhance quality and yield a secure, survivable, and cost-effective launch silo that will be easier to maintain.”

Mike Costas, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Defense and Space at Bechtel, remarked, “We are proud to support the Sentinel mission in providing next-generation national security solutions. The construction of the prototype missile silo establishes the groundwork necessary for our success in the field, fostering confidence in our execution plans while minimizing delivery risks.”

Senior leadership from the U.S. Air Force, Northrop Grumman, and Bechtel recently broke ground on a prototype launch silo design that will furnish vital data for the final structural and construction approach for the 450 future Sentinel launch silos. (Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman)

Program Details:
The modular design concept for the launch silo introduces an innovative methodology for construction and operation. This approach is characterized by its survivability, security, cost-effectiveness, and improved maintainability in comparison to the existing Minuteman III ICBM system.

Leading a nationwide team, Northrop Grumman holds the engineering and manufacturing development contract for the Air Force’s Sentinel program. Utilizing advanced digital engineering techniques, the company is actively engaged in the development and testing needed to mature the Sentinel design and minimize risks. Noteworthy progress has been made, including missile component testing, command and control equipment development, security sensor prototyping, and critical support equipment design.

Northrop Grumman has successfully demonstrated the propulsive elements of the Sentinel missile, encompassing test firings of stages one, two, and three, alongside a hot fire test of the post-boost propulsion system. This system propels the post-boost attitude control module and positions the reentry vehicle for flight. The Sentinel team has also accomplished the critical design review for the Sentinel Launch Support System, setting the stage for subsequent system build, testing, and qualification. For more on the Sentinel initiative, visit www.northropgrumman.com/sentinel.

As a premier global aerospace and defense technology company, Northrop Grumman provides innovative solutions that equip customers to secure and connect the world, while extending the horizons of human exploration. Through a commitment to addressing complex challenges, the company’s employees consistently redefine what is possible.

About Bechtel
Bechtel is recognized as a reliable engineering, construction, and project management collaborator for both industry and government. Distinguished by its exceptional workforce and unwavering dedication to delivering successful outcomes, Bechtel aligns its capabilities with customer objectives to foster a lasting positive impact. Since 1898, Bechtel has successfully completed over 25,000 projects across 160 countries, enhancing economies, strengthening infrastructure resilience, and improving access to essential services worldwide. Bechtel’s team in Ogden, Utah, is working hand-in-hand with Northrop Grumman to design and construct the launch infrastructure component of Sentinel, the U.S. Air Force’s cutting-edge ground-based nuclear deterrent system. This system will succeed the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile system as the land-based segment of the U.S. nuclear deterrent, with a focus on providing constructible solutions for launch infrastructure that align with the Air Force’s requirements.

Source: Northrop Grumman (2026-03-27T13:00:00Z)