News - Tag Nuclear Triad

An undated artist rendering of an LGM-35A Sentinel. (Courtesy illustration)

Feb. 17, 2026

Delivering deterrence: Sentinel restructure to complete in 2026; initial capability timeline set

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) — 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.

A U.S. Air Force MH-139A Grey Wolf assigned to the 40th Helicopter Squadron conducts its first operational mission at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, Jan. 8, 2026. The aircraft modernizes the land-based leg of the nuclear triad by delivering increased speed and extended range as it begins to take over duties from the long-serving UH-1N Huey. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jack Rodriguez Escamilla)

Jan. 13, 2026

MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopters complete first operational ICBM convoy security mission

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. — 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.

a missile in the dark night sky, white ethereal clouds surrounding it

May 21, 2025

Minuteman III test launch showcases readiness of U.S. nuclear force's safe, effective deterrent

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — 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 May 21 at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time from Vandenberg SFB, Calif.

A man wearing a formal military uniform speaks at a podium to a room filled with people.

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.

Feb. 21, 2025

MH-139 completes first IOT&E flight, advancing nuclear security operations

F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. — The 582nd Helicopter Group achieved a major milestone in its modernization efforts as the MH-139 Grey Wolf completed its first Initial Operational Test and Evaluation flight in support of nuclear security operations on January 28, 2025.

Under Secretary of the Air Force Melissa G. Dalton, Gen. Anthony Cotton, United States Strategic Command commander; Gen. Thomas Bussiere, Air Force Global Strike Command commander; and Lt. Gen. Andrew Gebara, the Department of the Air Force’s deputy chief of staff for strategic deterrence and integration, participate in the Nuclear Imperative panel at the Air and Space Forces Association’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Md., Sept 17, 2024. The technology exposition brings together Air Force leadership, industry experts, academia as well as aerospace and cyberspace specialists from around the world to discuss the issues and challenges facing America today. (U.S. Air Force photo by Chad Trujillo)

Sept. 20, 2024

DoD leaders discuss future of Air Force nuclear deterrent systems

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (AFNS) — Senior leaders discuss strategic deterrence during a time of Great Power Competition.

A B-21 Raider conducts flight testing, which includes ground testing, taxiing, and flying operations, at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The B-21 will be the backbone of the service’s future bomber force, and will possess the range, access and payload to penetrate the most highly-contested threat environments and hold any target around the globe at risk. The bomber platform is being developed through the Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, which utilizes streamlined methods to develop, produce and field critical combat capabilities. (Courtesy photo)

Sept. 19, 2024

Air Force provides B-21 Raider program updates

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (AFNS) — The B-21 Raider will incrementally replace the B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers to become the backbone of the Air Force’s flexible global strike capability.

A man in a blue military jacket addresses a crowd in front of him.

Nov. 28, 2023

AFGSC Director of ICBM Modernization discusses “monumental” Sentinel Program at Joint Engineers Conference

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. — Brig. Gen. Colin J. Connor, Air Force Global Strike Command Director of Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Modernization, recently highlighted the future of the LGM-35A Sentinel during the annual Joint Engineers Conference in Helena, Montana.

Shown is an illustration of the LGM-35A Sentinel launch silo, the Air Force’s newest weapon system known as the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent. The Air Force determined the LGM-35A Sentinel would provide continuity in strategic deterrence and cost less than extending the life of the current intercontinental ballistic missile fleet, comprised of the aging Minuteman III. Replacing the 1970s-era missile modernizes the ground-based leg of the nuclear triad and brings the Minuteman’s more than 50 years of service to a close. (U.S. Air Force illustration)

April 5, 2022

Air Force’s new intercontinental ballistic missile system has a name: Sentinel

WASHINGTON (AFNS) — Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall approved the designation for the system that modernizes the ICBM leg of the Nation’s nuclear triad.

Feb. 2, 2018

Nuke Review Calls for Triad Modernization to Maintain Deterrence

WASHINGTON — The United States must recapitalize the nuclear triad and accompanying command-and-control system to continue to maintain deterrence into the future, Defense Secretary James N. Mattis wrote in the preface to the Nuclear Posture Review.