U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman Assemble Inert Missile, Progress Toward Sentinel Flight Testing

Northrop Grumman Corporation Sentinel on pace for 2027 flight test FALLS CHURCH, Va., Sept. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- America's next-generation intercontinental ballistic missile moved another step closer to defending the nation when Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC) and the U.S. Air Force fully assembled the Sentinel missile in its operational orientation. The vertical assembly demonstrates the design and integration of the missile and is a major step toward the Sentinel missile's design and suitability evaluation for flight test in 2027. Sentinel is making progress toward fielding, a key part of the nation's strategic deterrence. In partnership with the U.S.