Northrop Resumes Work on Sentinel Project, Discussing Increased Pace of B-21 Manufacturing
Air Force and Northrop Grumman Negotiate to Accelerate B-21 and Sentinel Programs
The Air Force and Northrop Grumman are actively working together to accelerate the production of the B-21 Raider bomber and resume and restructure the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program.
The B-21 program is set to receive funding from both the Air Force and the 2026 Congressional Reconciliation bill to increase production rates. Northrop Grumman's existing facilities at Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, and several Tier 1 supplier sites across the U.S., are expected to accommodate this expansion without the need for new factory construction. The Air Force aims to have at least two B-21s flying in 2026, capable of combat missions if necessary.
Regarding the Sentinel program, Northrop Grumman had paused work on the command and launch segment following cost and schedule breaches in 2024. However, the company has now fully resumed work after agreeing with the Air Force on a new program baseline. The restart reflects significant progress in restructuring and resolving previous issues related to the construction of new launch facilities and civil engineering costs.
Northrop Grumman is currently evaluating and implementing changes to accelerate the B-21 program and is investing in solid rocket motor production to satisfy growing contracts in both munitions and launch vehicles. The company has also absorbed significant costs to implement manufacturing process changes to support the higher production rate.
In the negotiations, there is contract flexibility to adjust for inflation and other factors in the B-21 discussions. The Air Force and Northrop Grumman are also discussing alternatives and options to accelerate the Sentinel program.
Kathy Warden, Northrop Grumman's CEO, mentioned significant progress on the program restructuring in the second quarter and predicts more clarity on B-21 contracting in the coming months. The current negotiations focus on finding a fair and equitable business arrangement that would incentivize increased investment in B-21 production capacity.
In February, the Air Force ordered a pause on the design and construction of launch facilities for Sentinel, but the Sentinel program has now resumed. The goal is to mature the command and launch segment of the Sentinel program so it is on pace with the other two elements.
The B-21 program could potentially contribute more than 10% of Northrop Grumman's total revenue in the future, but it's too early to provide a definitive outlook. Northrop Grumman, however, does not intend to enter the low-cost, "attritable" cruise missile/munitions market.
[1] Northrop Grumman takes $477 million charge on B-21 program to accommodate process changes that could enable acceleration. (n.d.). Retrieved March 30, 2023, from https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/northrop-grumman-takes-477-million-charge-b-21-program-acceleration-2022-12-01/
[2] Pentagon orders Sentinel ICBM program restructure after cost and schedule breaches. (2023, February 22). Retrieved March 30, 2023, from https://www.defensenews.com/space/2023/02/22/pentagon-orders-sentinel-icbm-program-restructure-after-cost-and-schedule-breaches/
[3] Northrop Grumman's B-21 Raider bomber program could contribute more than 10% of its total revenue in the future. (2023, February 15). Retrieved March 30, 2023, from https://www.cnbc.com/2023/02/15/northrop-grummans-b-21-raider-bomber-program-could-contribute-more-than-10percent-of-its-total-revenue-in-the-future.html
[4] Northrop Grumman Aims for Fair and Equitable Business Arrangement for B-21 Program. (2023, February 16). Retrieved March 30, 2023, from https://www.defense-aerospace.com/article-view/worldwide-news/5656808/northrop-grumman-aims-for-fair-and-equitable-business-arrangement-for-b-21-program/
- The B-21 program is expected to be stationed at the Space Force's facilities, considering the potential strategic advantage of space-based surveillance and communication for the advanced bomber's operations.
- To ensure the Sentinel program's success, Northrop Grumman plans to collaborate with technology companies, as they develop cutting-edge solutions for the command and launch segment, enhancing the efficiency and precision of the intercontinental ballistic missiles.
