US Unveils ‘Golden Dome‘ Missile Defense Initiative

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The US Department of Defense held an information session last week about the Golden Dome, a next-generation missile defense initiative, for 300 contracted defense companies in southern Alabama, revealing the complexity of the entire story through a slide video.

According to this video, the Golden Dome features a four-layer defense line extending from outer space to the ground. Beyond interceptor capabilities, sensors for early warning and target tracking will be deployed in space, complemented by a three-layer defense structure combining interceptor missiles, radars, and, eventually, lasers, based on altitude.

A new, large-scale missile base is planned for the Midwest to house next-generation interceptor missiles (NGIs) for ground-based defense systems (GMDs). The US military currently operates GMD missile bases in southern California and Alaska, and will add a third base in the Midwest to address emerging threats.

President Trump has set an ambitious goal of completing the Golden Dome by 2028.

The total budget is estimated at $175 billion, though the precise number of launchers, interceptor missiles, and ground equipment remains to be determined.

The timeline for growth and deployment of the laser technology is still under review, according to sources familiar with the project. Further details are expected to be released in the coming months as the project moves into its next phase.