Nuke Missile Swap Gets Eco-Review in Missile States
Published Date: 10/9/2026
Notice
Summary
The Air Force is updating its plan to replace old Minuteman III missiles with new Sentinel missiles across five states, including Wyoming, Montana, and North Dakota. They’re checking how these changes might affect the environment and want your thoughts during a 30-day comment period starting now. This update could impact local lands and communities, with careful reviews to keep things safe and smart.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 1 mixed.
Construction of new launch silos (site counts)
The Air Force may build up to 30 new Launch Silo (LS) sites at Francis E. Warren AFB and up to 60 new LS sites at Malmstrom and Minot AFBs. The Draft SEIS is expected in fall 2027 and the Final SEIS in Spring 2028.
Land acquisition and missile-field expansions
The Proposed Action includes land acquisition through real estate transactions for new Launch Silo and Launch Center sites at Francis E. Warren and Minot, possible replacement of an existing Launch Facility with a Launch Center at FE Warren, expansion northwest of FE Warren missile field, and expansion west and east of the Minot missile field.
Closure, disposal, and conversion of Minuteman III sites
The Proposed Action would include closure in place of a selected number of the current 150 Minuteman III Launch Facility sites; disposal of existing Missile Alert Facility and Launch Facility sites; and conversion of qualifying Launch Facility sites to Launch Silo sites or reutilization of MAF sites for Launch Center development.
Procurement of utility easements including fiber optic
The Proposed Action includes procurement of easements for new utility corridors, including fiber-optic cables, that were not evaluated in the 2023 EIS.
Floodplain considerations for proposed actions
DAF has determined the Proposed Action has the potential to be located within a floodplain, making the proposal subject to Executive Order 11988 on Floodplain Management and triggering public notice and analysis related to floodplain impacts.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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