The United States Air Force executed a substantial contract modification, increasing the total value of its deal with Lockheed Martin to design and develop the Mk21A Reentry Vehicle. This latest action adds over $453 million to the existing contract, bringing the total value for the program’s engineering, manufacturing, and design phase to approximately $1.48 billion. This major investment underscores the nation’s commitment to modernizing the land-based leg of its nuclear deterrence triad.
Accelerating the Sentinel Deterrent
The Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center awarded the modification to Lockheed Martin, tasking the company with continuing the critical development work. The contract supports the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase for the new reentry vehicle, which will carry the W87-1 warhead for the future Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system.
The total value of the contract nearly reaches $1.5 billion, reflecting the extensive scope and long-term nature of the effort. Lockheed Martin performs the work primarily in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, with a projected completion date set for September 2032. This timeline emphasizes the strategic importance of the Mk21A Reentry Vehicle in delivering a modern and credible deterrent capability to the warfighter on schedule.
Next Generation of Strategic Reentry
As the integrated front-end of the Sentinel ICBM weapon system, the Mk21A will replace the aging Mk21 vehicles currently deployed on the Minuteman III ICBMs. Lockheed Martin leverages advanced digital engineering tools, including modeling and simulation, to mature the design. This modern approach drives efficiency, reduces technical risk, and increases confidence in system performance.
In June 2024, the Air Force and Lockheed Martin successfully completed a planned flight test of an unarmed, developmental Mk21A, demonstrating the vehicle’s design maturity and moving the program closer to attaining full operational capability. The continued success of the Mk21A program ensures the long-term effectiveness of the nation’s strategic forces.
