missile defense Archives

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks alongside Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in the Oval Office at the White House on May 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. President Trump announced his plans for the “Golden Dome,” a national ballistic and cruise missile defense system. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Trump: Golden Dome will cost around $175B, be ‘fully operational’ in three years

President Trump has also named Vice Chief of Space Operations Gen. Michael Guetlein as the program manager for Golden Dome.

19 hours ago By Mikayla Easley

A medium range ballistic missile target is launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai, Hawaii, as part of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency’s Flight Test Aegis Weapon System 31 Event 1a (FTM-31 E1a), held on March 30, 2023 in cooperation with the U.S. Navy. (MDA photo)

Lawmakers propose $25B to fund Trump’s Golden Dome missile defense shield

The $150 billion reconciliation bill includes funding to support development and fielding of Golden Dome technologies, such as space-based sensors and interceptors.

Apr 28, 2025 By Mikayla Easley

United States Space Force General Stephen N. Whiting speaks during a hearing with the Senate Armed Services Committee at the Hart Senate Office Building on February 29, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Space Command moves to support new capabilities, strategies for warfare in space

The efforts include operationalizing a nascent data-fusion pilot effort and supporting research and development of on-orbit maneuverability technologies.

Apr 8, 2025 By Mikayla Easley

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from Eglin Air Force Base flies over a high school football game in Niceville, Fla., Sept. 24, 2021. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Tristan McIntire)

Air Force envisions air-to-air combat role in Golden Dome missile defense

President Trump's Golden Dome initiative — previously known as Iron Dome for America — calls for a multi-layered shield for the U.S. homeland.

Feb 26, 2025 By Jon Harper

SDA solicits industry studies on potential capabilities for Trump’s Iron Dome for America

The Space Development Agency is interested in custody layer, HBTSS and other capabilities for the planned missile defense architecture.

Feb 13, 2025 By Mikayla Easley

President Donald Trump speaks to members of the press as he and First Lady Melania Trump prepare to depart the White House aboard Marine One on January 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

Trump revives push for space-based interceptors in ‘Iron Dome for America’ edict

The new executive order tasks Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to deliver a comprehensive plan for a next-generation homeland missile defense reference architecture in the next 60…

Jan 28, 2025 By Mikayla Easley

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks to members of the press upon his arrival at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Jan. 27, 2025. (DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza)

Hegseth highlights ‘Iron Dome for America’, other first priorities as new SecDef

Pete Hegseth briefed a small group of reporters at the Pentagon for the first time as the secretary of defense on Monday.

Jan 27, 2025 By Brandi Vincent

Rendering of hypervelocity projectile (Credit: BAE Systems)

Army to sole-source deal for hypervelocity projectiles, drone-killing artillery cannon

The Army plans to spend about $646 million total on the MDAC system project in fiscal 2025-2027, according to budget documents.

Dec 27, 2024 By Jon Harper

Satellite rendering (Millennium Space Systems)

SDA taps Millennium Space Systems to build experimental FOO Fighter satellites

The systems will be equipped with fire control-quality sensors to address advanced missile threats such as hypersonic weapons.

Apr 30, 2024 By Mikayla Easley

GULF OF ADEN (Dec. 14, 2021) — Amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27) conducts a high-energy laser weapon system demonstration on a static surface training target, Dec. 14, while sailing in the Gulf of Aden. The photograph was captured utilizing a short wave infrared lens and optical filter. (U.S. Navy photo illustration by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Devin Kates)

Pentagon’s directed energy guru sees ‘uncomfortable choices’ ahead for military commanders

"One of the biggest challenges is simply that early part of the decision-making in that counter kill chain," according to the DOD's principal director for directed energy.

Jan 23, 2024 By Jon Harper