Senators press Air Force on Sentinel schedule and B‑21 force size; secretary pledges program reviews
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
Senator questions about the Sentinel ground‑based strategic deterrent and the number of B‑21 bombers prompted Secretary Troy Mink to pledge a near‑term Sentinel program review and to say he will consult with U.S. Strategic Command on B‑21 requirements.
Senators pressed the Department of the Air Force on nuclear modernization programs, asking for timely design decisions for the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile replacement and pressing the service to coordinate with U.S. Strategic Command on the long‑term B‑21 bomber force size.
Senator Fisher said the Nunn‑McCurdy review concluded the Sentinel continuation is essential, and urged the Air Force to make design decisions needed to reach Milestone B. “The longer you wait, the more likely it is that costs will increase,” she said, and warned against using Sentinel funds to backfill other programs.
Secretary Troy Mink told the committee he would begin an immediate review. “The fifth day into the job, I will be having my first deep dive into the Sentinel program,” he said, acknowledging program restructuring and promising to return with details as decisions mature.
On the B‑21 bomber, witnesses noted U.S. Strategic Command had recommended a larger fleet — General Cotton reportedly suggested at least 145 aircraft — and Mink said he expected to meet with STRATCOM to discuss requirements and portfolio tradeoffs. He described B‑21 as “a big part” of long‑term deterrent planning and said the program was executing well within the department.
Committee members asked for follow‑up briefings on Sentinel milestone timing, budget protection for nuclear programs, and discussions with STRATCOM about B‑21 procurement quantities. No binding actions were taken at the hearing; senators signaled they would hold the service accountable for progress on schedule and funding protection for nuclear modernization.