The U.S. Department of Defense has confirmed that the “Golden Dome” missile defense initiative has progressed to the implementation phase at a recent presentation to President Trump at the White House, with a finalized system design and leadership in place.
President Donald Trump initiated the project in January 2025 through an executive order, directing the construction of a comprehensive missile defense system to counter advanced threats, including ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles.(Wikipedia)
Leadership Appointment
General Michael Guetlein of the U.S. Space Force has been appointed to lead the Golden Dome project. General Guetlein emphasized the necessity for extensive interagency collaboration, likening the effort to the Manhattan Project in terms of its scope and required coordination. He noted that the project’s success hinges on integrating various defense agencies and aligning their efforts toward a common goal.(The Times, Defense News)
System Design and Capabilities
The Golden Dome system is envisioned as a multi-layered defense architecture comprising both existing and emerging technologies. It aims to integrate space-based sensors, interceptors, and ground-based missile batteries to detect and neutralize missile threats at various stages of flight. The system draws inspiration from previous defense initiatives, such as Israel’s Iron Dome and the Strategic Defense Initiative proposed in the 1980s. The design has been approved by President Trump and the project is slated to move on to the next stage. (DefenseScoop, The Times)
Budget and Funding
An initial investment of $25 billion has been allocated for the Golden Dome project. The total projected cost over two decades is estimated to exceed $500 billion, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The funding is part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which includes provisions for military space sensors, intercept capabilities, and radar improvements. The House of Representatives has advanced the bill, and it is now under consideration in the Senate.(POLITICO, New York Post)
Industry Involvement
The Department of Defense is engaging with various defense contractors to develop and deploy the components of the Golden Dome system. Companies such as Lockheed Martin and SpaceX are among those involved, with SpaceX proposing a satellite constellation to serve as the system’s “custody layer.” However, concerns have been raised regarding the proposed subscription-based model for satellite services, which could limit government control over the technology and its costs.(FOX 29 Philadelphia, TimesLIVE)
International Interest
While the Canadian government has not officially confirmed participation, President Trump has indicated that Canadian officials have expressed interest in joining the Golden Dome initiative. Discussions are ongoing to explore potential collaboration opportunities.(Wikipedia)
As the project moves forward, the Department of Defense is focused on finalizing the system’s design, securing necessary funding, and ensuring effective collaboration among all stakeholders to enhance the nation’s missile defense capabilities.
