Hoeven Meets with DOW Under Secretary Duffey to Advance Sentinel, Nuclear Modernization at Minot Air Force Base

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven met Thursday with Michael Duffey, Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment, in preparation for Duffey’s review of Minot Air Force Base (MAFB). Hoeven outlined the importance of accelerating the development of the Sentinel program, upgrading the B-52 and the Long Range Stand Off ( LRSO) missile, as well as continuing to procure new MH-139 helicopters . In his position, Duffey is responsible for acquisitions, logistics and material readiness across the Department of War. “Minot Air Force Base is the only dual nuclear base in our nation, with an incredibly important mission given the security challenges we face around the globe,” said Hoeven. “We outlined the importance of accelerating our nuclear modernization efforts, including fielding new helicopters to guard the missile fields, upgrading our B-52s and accelerating both the LRSO and Sentinel programs to ensure we’re able to deter our enemies now and well into the future.” As a member of the Senate Defense and Military Construction Appropriations Committees, Hoeven secured Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 funding for nuclear modernization efforts, including: $2.6 billion for the development of the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). This comes in addition to the $2.5 billion that Hoeven worked to secure for Sentinel in the One Big Beautiful Bill. More than $1 billion for development and procurement of the B-52 upgrades. Nearly $800 million for the Long Range Stand Off (LRSO) development and procurement. $67 million for procurement of the MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopter. This funding helps build out Minot’s fleet of 11 aircraft, with the first Grey Wolf deliveries set to start in 2027. Importantly, Hoeven highlighted that the base’s new helicopter facility will be completed this year. The senator secured nearly $140 million for the facility’s construction, as well as flexibility to address cost increases due to inflation and keep the project on schedule. These efforts ensured the facility would be ready in time for the aircraft’s arrival in Minot. Now, Hoeven is working to advance the $232 million proposal to begin Sentinel upgrades at MAFB included in the president’s FY 2027 budget request, including: Sentinel Security Forces Operations Complex – $108 million The 130,000-square-foot complex will include state-of-the-art armory, training, administrative and storage spaces. The complex consolidates seven buildings into one and will support more than 1,000 security personnel charged with safeguarding U.S. nuclear capabilities. Sentinel Consolidated Vehicle Maintenance Complex – $124 million The new complex will be 82,000 square feet and consolidate five buildings into two. Once completed the complex will nearly triple, from 500 to 1,400, the number of vehicles able to be maintained. -###-