New ICBM Delayed at Least a Year, GAO Says
Annual assessment foresees LGM-35A reaching initial operating capability no earlier than mid-2030.
AUDREY DECKER | JUNE 8, 2023 04:01 PM ET
The Air Force’s next intercontinental ballistic missile will arrive at least a year behind schedule, according to the Government Accountability Office’s annual evaluation of Pentagon weapons programs.
“Initial capability” for the LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM is now slated for April to June 2030, the report says—a year later than the May 2029 date given in the Pentagon’s most recent Selected Acquisition Report.
“Sentinel is behind schedule due to staffing shortfalls, delays with clearance processing, and classified information technology infrastructure challenges. Additionally, the program is experiencing supply chain disruptions, leading to further schedule delays. The prime contractor is working on multiple supply chain mitigations to address the issue,” GAO said.
The contractor, Northrop Grumman, is discussing the “potential changes” to the schedule with the Pentagon, GAO said.
https://www.defenseone.com/defense-systems/2023/06/new-icbm-delayed-least-year-gao-says/387315/
