DoD Raises Golden Dome Cost to $185 Billion

The U.S. Department of Defense has raised the projected cost of its Golden Dome missile defense program to $185 billion, an increase of $10 billion aimed at accelerating development of space-based capabilities to counter advanced missile threats. The update, announced Tuesday by program director Gen. Michael Guetlein of the Space Force at a defense conference in Arlington, Virginia, comes as the initiative, launched by President Donald Trump earlier this year, draws international criticism for potentially destabilizing global security.

Golden Dome seeks to create a comprehensive shield protecting the U.S. homeland from ballistic, hypersonic and cruise missiles launched by adversaries. The system integrates existing ground-based interceptors, sensors and command-and-control networks with new space elements, including satellite constellations for detection and tracking. Guetlein specified that the additional funding will support three priority areas: the Advanced Missile Tracking Initiative for airborne target detection, the Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor to monitor fast-moving threats, and the Space Data Network for secure orbital communications. Prototype...