Northrop Grumman and the US Air Force have begun construction of a full-size prototype launch silo for the new LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile. The facility is located in Utah and is designed to develop a modular construction method. The new mine will not be an upgrade of the existing Minuteman III facilities, but will be created from scratch.

Despite the risks identified by the U.S. Audit Office in 2025, the program continues to evolve. Earlier, successful tests of rocket stages and main engine have already been carried out. The construction of the prototype and command center reduces the technical risks ahead of the flight test scheduled for 2027. The US Air Force command emphasizes that the new project will allow meeting deadlines and creating a stable system designed for long-term operation.