Do you remember that big scandal surrounding the new American LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile? The project, which Northrop Grumman is engaged in, is literally stuck: the cost has skyrocketed, and deadlines are shifting, and work on the launch complexes had to be frozen. It was a real headache for both the company and the US Air Force.
But it seems that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The CEO of Northrop Grumman officially announced today: the company and the US Air Force have finally reached an agreement to restructure this entire problematic program. What does this mean in a simple language? They sat down at the negotiating table, reviewed their plans, perhaps redistributed money and risks, and now they have found a common language.
The most important thing is that work on the launch complexes has resumed. Workers can dig, concret, and build infrastructure for new rockets again. This is a huge step forward, because without ready-made silos, the Sentinel rocket itself will simply have nowhere to put it.
The program to replace the old Minuteman III missiles with modern Sentinels is a cornerstone in updating the American ground—based nuclear shield. The delays were critical, and the pressure on Northrop Grumman was enormous. Now, after this agreement, the project seems to be heading in the right direction again.
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