Nuclear program is threatened: in the US "nervous" about LGM-35a Sentinel missiles
Speaking at the Center for A New American Security, the Minister noted that both the B-21 Raider strategic bomber and the Sentinel program are part of the United States nuclear triad. Both programs are made by Northrop Grumman and cannot be failed. At the same time, Kendall refused to resort to the details of the problems facing Sentinel, citing the fact that he had no relevant powers.
However, he stressed that some of the aspects of the program as the construction of communication and management infrastructure, as well as the production of the rocket itself, were very complex. "Sentinel is one of the biggest and most complex programs I have ever seen. Perhaps in some ways it is the largest program that the Air Force has ever been taken for," the minister said. According to him, Northrop Grumman has difficulty with funding.
Initially, the total cost of Sentinel will be about $ 100 billion, but in the course of work, some costs may increase. "As you deepen the program, as we will understand what we will have to do, we find some things that cost money. We try to evaluate how much it will affect the program and what adjustments we will have to make in this regard" , - explained Kendall. The observers noted that the Minuteman III, which should change Sentinel, covers 32,000 square meters.
miles, and contains 400 missiles in 450 mines. Currently, according to the US Accounting Chamber (GAO), there are no experts to implement the program, there are also problems with the supply chain and software. Earlier it was reported that in the Netherlands, the F-35A stealth fighter is certified "to fulfill the mission of restraint". It is about creating a new European platform for American nuclear bombs B61-12, which will be equipped with F-35A as part of a NATO program with nuclear restraint.