Pentagon allocates $3.2 billion and sets 2027-2029 milestones for Golden Dome space-based missile shield

The Pentagon has set aside $3.2 billion to develop the Golden Dome space-based missile-defence system, aiming to begin ground-based testing of interceptor prototypes by the end of 2026. Twelve firms, among them SpaceX, Anduril Industries and Lockheed Martin, have been tasked with building three classes of orbital interceptors—boost-phase, mid-course and glide-phase. The program uses a prize-competition model, offering about $60 million for successful ground tests and up to $126 million plus a $40 million bonus for the first team to complete a 2027 flight test.

Flight demonstrations are scheduled for 2027 and 2028, with a full intercept trial planned for 2029, after which the Space Force may procure systems in 2030. General Michael Guetlein highlighted the need to counter advanced missile threats from Russia and China, while analysts and lawmakers such as Ed Markey and John Garamendi caution that costs could exceed $700 billion and risk an arms race. The initiative revives concepts from the Cold-War Strategic Defence Initiative but faces skepticism over feasibility and affordability.