In an update on the nuclear modernization efforts at Minto Air Force Base in Minot, ND., officials said upgrades at the base will build upon the nearly $1 billion in annual economic benefit the base brings to the region.
U.S. Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND) joined Major Gen. Colin Connor, director of Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Modernization, and Task Force 21 to give information about the efforts recently. Hoeven said efforts are a major step toward nuclear modernization.
“The Minot Air Force Base is not only the sole dual-nuclear base in the country, but as we advance our nuclear modernization efforts, it will grow as an economic driver for the region, building on the base’s nearly $1 billion in current economic impact,” said Hoeven. “With the passage of the FY2026 Defense Appropriations bill, we are hitting key milestones in updating our nuclear forces, particularly with the procurement of the Grey Wolf helicopters, which will provide security for the missile fields. The new helicopter facility in Minot will be finished later this year, due to the $140 million we provided to move this construction project forward, and we continue to procure new helicopters to build out Minot’s fleet, which will start arriving in Minot in 2027. On top of this, we continue to provide the resources needed to keep projects like Sentinel on track.”
The upgrades nationally through the One Big Beautiful Bill include $2.6 billion for the development of the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM); 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; and $67 million for procurement of the MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopter.
The discussions come after Hoeven met with Gen. Dale White, head of the Air Force’s Sentinel ICBM program, to discuss strategies for accelerating the Sentinel development.