tech
March 18, 2026
Amid War with Iran: Trump Accelerates Development of $185 Billion "Golden Dome"
The cost of the American missile defense shield, Golden Dome, has increased by $10 billion to a total of $185 billion to accelerate the development of key space capabilities.
TL;DR
- The cost of the Golden Dome missile defense shield has increased by $10 billion to $185 billion to accelerate space capability development.
- Lockheed Martin, RTX, and Northrop Grumman are main contractors for the project.
- The project involves expanding ground-based defense systems with space-based elements for threat detection and neutralization from orbit.
- Funding will be directed towards programs like the Advanced Missile Tracking Initiative, Space Data Base, and the HBTSS.
- The HBTSS is a space sensor system designed to detect and track hypersonic and ballistic missile threats.
- The $185 billion covers a 'target architecture' to be delivered over the next decade.
- Directed-energy weapons and next-generation AI are identified as promising technologies for cost reduction and increased interceptor availability.