The US faces challenges replacing its aging Minuteman III ICBMs with the new Sentinel system.
Significant cost overruns have plagued the Sentinel program, attracting scrutiny.
US Air Force leadership strongly advocates for Sentinel, citing nuclear deterrence needs.
Internal budget battles and resistance may impact the program's future.
Why It Matters?
This development within the US military's nuclear modernization effort is crucial for understanding the strategic balance. China closely monitors US advancements and challenges in strategic weapons systems. Difficulties in the Sentinel program could influence perceptions of US capabilities and potentially affect China's own strategic planning and arms development pace. The justifications used for the program reflect US strategic thinking towards competitors like China.
Tell Me More!
The United States Air Force is working to replace its long-serving Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). This effort centers on the development of the next-generation LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM. However, the ambitious program is encountering significant obstacles, according to recent analysis.
Military commentator Wei Dongxu, speaking on a CCTV program, highlighted issues facing the Sentinel. He noted the Minuteman III's extended service life necessitates its replacement. The Sentinel program was initiated for this purpose.
Wei pointed out serious problems discovered during project reviews. "Relevant U.S. departments found serious cost overrun issues," Wei stated. He suggested, "The Sentinel ICBM development might face more cost problems due to further audits." This indicates ongoing financial difficulties for the crucial modernization project.
Despite these challenges, key figures are defending the program. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall has actively endorsed the Sentinel project. Wei observed that Kendall, in the "Department of the Air Force 2050" report, "has been endorsing the Sentinel project," emphasizing its importance.
Kendall's advocacy stresses the need for enhanced US nuclear deterrence. He argues the US must compete in a nuclear arms race environment. This rationale aims "to protect the research and development budget for the next-generation Sentinel ICBM," according to Wei.
This situation reveals internal dynamics within the US defense establishment. Wei suggests "this struggle between old and new power structures might affect the R&D and deployment" of strategic weapons. He concluded that "the development and deployment of the Sentinel could potentially encounter internal resistance within the United States."
These hurdles raise questions about the timeline and ultimate success of replacing a core component of the US nuclear triad. The challenges facing Sentinel are watched closely by global powers, including China, as they assess the trajectory of US strategic capabilities.
Source: https://tv.cctv.com/2025/04/28/VIDEGdU2GIolDpKxpKiLDsRM250428.shtml
[兵器面面观]“哨兵”洲际弹道导弹的研制和装备可能会遇到来自美国内部的阻力
《兵器面面观》主持人周瑜：那么在美国“三位一体”的核体系当中，“哨兵”洲际导弹是不是能承担起这个角色？
CCTV "Weaponry Outlook" Host Zhou Yu: Within the US nuclear triad, can the Sentinel intercontinental missile truly fulfill its intended role?
军事评论员魏东旭：美国空军掌握两种战略威慑和打击手段，分别是刚才杜老师提到的战略轰炸机以及发射井当中的洲际弹道导弹。
Military Commentator Wei Dongxu: The US Air Force controls two strategic deterrence methods. These are strategic bombers and silo-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).
现在的美国空军所使用的“民兵”III型的洲际弹道导弹服役的时间比较长，是需要对它进行这种替代，所以它已经启动了新一代的“哨兵”洲际弹道导弹的研发项目。
The current Minuteman III ICBMs used by the Air Force have been in service for a long time. They require replacement, leading to the Sentinel next-generation ICBM development program.
这个项目其实已经启动，但是此前美国有关部门对项目进行审查的过程当中，就发现了一些严重的成本超支的问题，那么“哨兵”洲际弹道导弹的研发可能也面临更多的这种查账所导致的这种成本超支的问题。
This program has already commenced. However, reviews by relevant US departments uncovered significant cost overruns. The Sentinel's development may face further scrutiny due to these budget issues.
所以肯德尔在《2050年空军部》这份报告当中，一直在为“哨兵”的项目去进行背书，强调它的重要性，那么强调美国要和其他国家进行这种核武器的军备竞赛，要强化自身的核威慑能力。
Air Force Secretary Kendall endorsed the Sentinel in the "Air Force 2050" report. He emphasized its importance for US nuclear deterrence amid competition with other nations.
那么就是试图保住“哨兵”新一代洲际弹道导弹的研发预算，那么这种新旧权力体系的博弈可能也会影响很多具有战略属性武器装备的研发和装备，说不定“哨兵”的研制和装备可能都会遇到来自美国内部的阻力。
Kendall aims to secure the Sentinel's development budget. Yet, internal power dynamics could affect strategic weapon programs, potentially creating resistance to Sentinel's development and deployment within the US itself.
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