March 26, 2026 Leaders say nuclear forces, space domain paramount to national security Protecting America's space systems is essential for national security because so many military capabilities rely on them — including precision navigation, global communications, missile warning and real-time intelligence, said Space Force Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, commander of U.S. Space Command.
March 24, 2026 Air Force leaders visit Minot AFB to advance Sentinel modernization The visit focused on ensuring alignment between program development and operational execution as the Air Force prepares to transition from the Minuteman III system to the LGM-35A Sentinel.
March 19, 2026 Department leader says nuclear triad must be upgraded to meet dual threat With soon to be two near-peer nuclear-armed competitors to deter, the United States must upgrade its nuclear forces, which serve as a backdrop to conventional capabilities that must also be robust, War Department leaders told lawmakers.
March 4, 2026 ICBM test launch verifies multiple re-entry vehicle, system reliability Air Force Global Strike Command conducted a test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with two test re-entry vehicles at 11:01 p.m. Pacific time March 3 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.
Feb. 17, 2026 Delivering deterrence: Sentinel restructure to complete in 2026, initial capability timeline set The U.S. Air Force rolled out its plan for the LGM-35A Sentinel program, which will deliver the nation’s next-generation, modernized, land-based nuclear deterrent to America’s warfighters.
Jan. 13, 2026 MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopters complete 1st operational ICBM convoy security mission Two MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters assigned to the 40th Helicopter Squadron conducted their first operational Minuteman III ICBM convoy Jan. 8, marking an important milestone in the modernization of AFGSC’s nuclear security operations.
Aug. 7, 2025 20th Air Force reactivates ICBM Center of Excellence, completes inaugural Instructor Qualification Course 20th Air Force achieved a significant milestone in June with the successful execution of the firstst Instructor Qualification Course under the newly re-established ICBM Center of Excellence (ICE). Held from June 2-6, the course marked a pivotal moment in enhancing instructional standards across the
May 21, 2025 AFGSC commander testifies to SASC: Nuclear triad in need of modernization The commander of Air Force Global Strike Command and the director of the Navy Strategic Systems Programs testified on DoD nuclear weapons programs at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing.
May 21, 2025 Minuteman III test launch showcases readiness of U.S. nuclear force's safe, effective deterrent A joint team of AFGSC Airmen launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a single Mark-21 High Fidelity Re-Entry Vehicle at 12:01 a.m. Pacific time May 21 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.
March 18, 2025 Stratcom focuses on nuclear triad modernization Nothing provides national power more than a modernized nuclear triad and nuclear command and control, Stratcom Commander Air Force Gen. Anthony J. Cotton said during a defense conference in Washington.