Sentinel Modernization Sparks Billions in Local Economic Growth

The modernization of America’s nuclear arsenal has taken two major steps forward, and Cheyenne is at the heart of it.

The first operational Minuteman III silo at F.E. Warren Air Force Base has officially been taken offline, marking the start of a $141 billion transition to the next-generation LGM-35A Sentinel missile system. This milestone is a critical step in modernizing the land-based leg of the U.S. nuclear triad and is expected to bring billions in economic impact to Wyoming as construction and development ramp up.

At the same time, the U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman completed a full-scale qualification test of the Sentinel’s stage-two rocket motor at Arnold Air Force Base in Tennessee. Conducted in a vacuum chamber to simulate high-altitude conditions, the test validated thrust performance, burn profile, and steering capabilities, further proving the program’s design models and moving it closer to production.

“This is just the next natural step in the evolution of Sentinel,” said Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Dale Steenbergen, who has been sitting in on regular briefings with project leaders. “It’s one thing to draw a picture of what this looks like, but when you start testing and breaking ground, that’s when you see real progress—and real opportunities for our community.”

Together, these advancements underscore both the nation’s commitment to nuclear readiness and Wyoming’s pivotal role in supporting and benefiting from one of the largest modernization projects in U.S. history.

The Chamber will continue working closely with military and industry leaders to ensure our communities are prepared to meet the demands, and seize the opportunities, of this historic project.