The Sentinel Nuclear Deterrence Act of 2023 authorizes the Air Force to enter into multiyear contracts to procure up to 659 LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missiles, which will replace the aging Minuteman III missiles currently deployed across the country. The bill affects military operations at multiple Air Force bases in Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, Utah, and Arizona, where the new missiles will be manufactured, tested, and deployed as part of the land-based component of the U.S. nuclear deterrent. The legislation allows advance procurement to begin in fiscal year 2024 and includes provisions for cost savings through bulk purchasing, though any payments after fiscal year 2024 depend on future congressional appropriations. The bill also requires the Department of Defense to submit two reports within 90 days: one analyzing whether to create a National Land-Based Deterrence Fund similar to existing naval funding mechanisms, and another on how to ensure stable supplies of critical materials like concrete and steel needed for the construction infrastructure supporting the Sentinel program.
Take Action
Your position
Add a comment
to comment on this bill.
Annotate the text
Highlight any passage on the Summary or Full Text tab to attach a note. Annotations appear on the Annotations tab.