The U.S. Department of Defense is accelerating development of its Golden Dome initiative, a comprehensive missile defense system that leverages cutting-edge artificial intelligence to transform America's space-based defense capabilities.
First announced in January 2025 through an executive order by President Donald Trump, the Golden Dome represents a significant evolution beyond traditional missile defense systems. The initiative, estimated to cost $175 billion and scheduled for completion within three years, will be led by Space Force General Michael Guetlein, who was confirmed by the Senate in July 2025.
At its core, Golden Dome aims to create an integrated network of space-based sensors and interceptors capable of detecting, tracking, and neutralizing various aerial threats, including ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, and cruise missiles. The system's AI components will be crucial for processing vast streams of satellite and sensor data to deliver real-time situational awareness and predictive threat detection.
The U.S. Army is exploring ways to increase autonomy through AI solutions to reduce the manpower needed to manage the system. Major General Francisco Lozano, the Army's program executive officer for missiles and space, has indicated that the service is working to integrate more AI fire control functionality into its major air and missile defense command-and-control systems.
The House-passed National Defense Authorization Act includes provisions supporting Golden Dome, with specific mandates for the Defense Department to study how to use AI to enhance targeting accuracy while minimizing collateral damage. The bill also calls for accelerating the integration of autonomy-enabling software into defense programs.
Major defense contractors including Lockheed Martin, RTX, and Northrop Grumman have expressed interest in contributing to the Golden Dome initiative. Northrop Grumman is already developing space-based interceptors, while commercial tech companies are being courted for their AI expertise and data integration capabilities.
As the project moves forward, experts will gather at a Space News webinar on July 31, 2025, to discuss how the Department of Defense can leverage advanced data and artificial intelligence to transform space-based defense through the Golden Dome initiative.