Minot Air Force Base is set to receive $230 million for nuclear modernization under President Donald Trump’s proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget, with a focus on upgrading intercontinental ballistic missile operations. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer announced on April 27 that the funding will support two major projects linked to the LGM-35A Sentinel program, which is replacing the aging Minuteman III system. The base, which supports two legs of the U.S. nuclear triad, will see construction of a new Sentinel maintenance complex and an advanced operations center.
The investments are intended to strengthen national security and provide long-term solutions for personnel stationed at Minot Air Force Base. “Our Airmen at Minot operate in some of the toughest conditions anywhere and they still show up every day to keep America’s nuclear deterrent strong,” Cramer said. “Investments in the Sentinel program are about protecting the country and backing the people undertaking the mission. Getting these projects into the budget is a big step toward safer, long-term solutions on the ground, and I’m excited to see the impact at Minot.”
The executive budget proposals align with broader efforts by the Trump administration to accelerate nuclear modernization across all branches of strategic deterrence. As chair of the Senate Armed Services Airland Subcommittee, Cramer has prioritized modernizing North Dakota’s defense capabilities and has hosted senior defense officials at Minot Air Force Base.
A new consolidated vehicle maintenance complex will replace five outdated facilities from as far back as the late 1950s and early 1960s—structures not designed for today’s larger fleet of over 1,100 vehicles. Currently, many repairs take place outdoors in harsh winter conditions; new infrastructure aims to provide more efficient resources for airmen.
Additionally, plans include a Security Forces Operations Center for over 1,000 defenders assigned to protect missile sites and convoys supporting ICBM operations under one roof.
Cramer has also worked with partners such as Northrop Grumman and secured a decommissioned Minuteman III missile for public display at North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum as part of ongoing efforts to preserve military history.
Cramer assists North Dakotans with federal agencies to resolve issues and provide information according to his official website. He grew up in Kindred, North Dakota according to his official website, earned degrees from Concordia College and University of Mary according to his official website, served three terms as North Dakota’s at-large representative before joining the Senate according to his official website, serves on several Senate committees including Environment and Public Works according to his official website, and together with his wife Kris raised five children according to his official website.
