Rising to the Occasion: Northrop Grumman and the Sentinel (GBSD) Program

By Scott Gourley

Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) technology is complicated. But it's just one aspect of total U.S. nuclear capability: a mix of ICBMs on land and sea, strategic bombers, and a rugged and survivable command and control (C2) network. The integrated components are among the most complex systems in the world. And when it’s time to replace any element, it calls for the broadest range of qualified skill sets.

The best example is the Sentinel Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) program, a massive replacement of the U.S. Air Force’s land-based ICBM capabilities that includes much more than missile technology. At its core, the Sentinel (GBSD) program is a multi-domain, high-tech integrated weapon system in development to serve and defend the nation and its allies for the next 50 years.