“They were designed to validate software, they were designed to validate sensor-to-shooter linkages that perhaps are different than what today exists,” Lt. Gen. Brian Gibson said.

"If [lawmakers] don’t figure it out, there is no Golden Dome because there is no funding,” Gen. Michael Guetlein said.

The Forward-Based Mode (FBM) Radar Next initiative aims to prototype the technology.

The 36 missile warning and tracking satellites are expected to launch by the end of 2028 in support of Golden Dome.

The newest cost projection comes from a "notional" missile defense architecture that includes systems outlined in the current plan for Golden Dome.

Under the OTA agreements, the 12 firms will develop and demonstrate space-based interceptor prototypes by 2028.

“We were asked to procure some additional space capabilities. So we are at $185 billion for the objective architecture, which delivers way out into the 2035 timeframe,”…

Gen. Alex Grynkewich, the Supreme Allied Commander Europe and commander of U.S. European Command, testified Thursday at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing.

The organization intends to launch selected sensor and seeker prototypes into space for a demonstration no later than two years after it contracts vendors.

Golden Dome risks becoming a system that works beautifully in theory but collapses when America needs it most.