Ground Based Strategic Deterrent EMD

The Ground Based Strategic Deterrent Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) program, now known as the LGM-35A Sentinel, is an initiative by the Air Force to replace the aging Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) system. The primary objective is to ensure a safe, secure, reliable, and effective nuclear deterrent by designing, developing, producing, and deploying a new ICBM weapon system. This effort addresses capability gaps and vulnerabilities identified in various assessments related to the Sentinel program. The LGM-35A Sentinel will also involve developing support equipment, data management systems, flight test hardware, infrastructure, and training systems.

During the EMD phase, the program focuses on several key areas: government system engineering and analytics development; air vehicle equipment development; command and launch systems; infrastructure deployment; support systems; and overall weapon system integration. These efforts include investments in model-based systems engineering (MBSE), modernization of existing labs and infrastructure, and development of integrated missile stack components such as propulsion and guidance systems. Command and launch systems will encompass mission equipment interfaces, cryptographic systems, communications hardware and software to ensure survivability and launch capabilities.

The LGM-35A Sentinel program is also tasked with advancing its test series for Development Test & Evaluation (DT&E) and Operational Test & Evaluation (OT&E). This includes maturing air vehicle equipment, command and launch systems, cybersecurity measures, operator training systems, security architecture, transport subsystems, and associated ground technologies. The program will continue refining weapon system software integration while expanding analytical capabilities to ensure secure transmission of design information between government entities and contractors.

Furthermore, the program's acquisition strategy emphasizes delivering a low-risk integrated weapon system design while embracing digital engineering practices to streamline development activities. It includes options for early production phases aimed at mitigating schedule risks. The EMD phase will culminate in various reviews such as Critical Design Review (CDR), System Qualification/Verification Review, Nuclear Certification processes, followed by early production leading up to full deployment. The overarching goal is to extend the capabilities of the ground-based leg of the nuclear triad through 2075.