LGM-35A Sentinel Mission The LGM-35A Sentinel is the next-generation intercontinental ballistic missile and the replacement for Minuteman III. It will be a core element of the nation’s strategic deterrent forces under the control of the Air Force Global Strike Command. The "L" in LGM is the Department of War designation for silo-launched, "G" means surface attack and "M" stands for guided missile. Features The Sentinel weapon system will be deployed in hardened silos to protect against attack and connected to underground launch centers through a system of modern, hardened fiber-optic cables. Launch crews, consisting of two officers, will continue to perform around-the-clock alert. The system will integrate with the nation’s upgraded nuclear command, control and communications architecture, providing the president and secretary of war with highly reliable, secure command and control. A key feature of the Sentinel missile is its modular, open-architecture design, which allows for the rapid integration of new technologies to counter emerging threats. Background The Sentinel program, formerly known as the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent, was initiated to replace the aging LGM-30G Minuteman III, which has been in service for more than 50 years. After extensive analysis, the Air Force determined it would build entirely new, modern launch facilities, silos and support infrastructure build new, modern launch silos, launch centers, communications systems and infrastructure rather than rather than trying to refurbish the 1970s-era structures. This modernization effort is the largest construction project in Air Force history and will re-capitalize the land-based leg of the U.S. nuclear triad, ensuring a credible deterrent against 21st century adversaries for decades to come. The Sentinel will be deployed at the 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren Air Force Bawe, Wyoming; the 341st Missile Wing at Malmstrom AFB, Montana; and the 91st Missile Wing at Minot AFB, North Dakota. General Characteristics Primary Function: Intercontinental ballistic missile Contractor: Northrop Grumman Power Plant: Three solid-propellant rocket motors Thrust: Not publicly available Weight: Not publicly available Diameter: Not publicly available Range: 6,000-plus miles (5,218 nautical miles) Speed: Approximately 15,000 mph (Mach 23) at burnout Ceiling: Approximately 700 miles (1,120 kilometers) Date Deployed: Initial capability projected for the early 2030s Inventory: Projected: 400 (Current as of March 2026) Point of Contact Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center Public Affairs Office 1551 Wyoming Blvd SE Kirtland AFB, NM 87117 Phone 505-846-3026 Email: afnwc.pa.ll@us.af.mil