Space Force to Helm Trump’s Golden Dome Missile Shield Project

President Donald Trump announced the next phase of the tech-forward Golden Dome missile defense project during a press conference in the Oval Office on Tuesday, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to constructing a space-based missile shield “super technology” capable of intercepting both space- and earth-based threats.

“We have officially selected an architecture for this state-of-the-art system that will deploy next generation technologies across the land, sea and space, including space-based sensors and interceptors,” said Trump during the announcement.

Trump explained that the project aims to create a next-generation, multi-layered missile defense shield capable of countering cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles and drones. Trump added that the system will include space-based interceptors and sensors, positioning the U.S. to potentially neutralize threats even as they are launched from space.

“We have the most brilliant minds in the world doing this kind of thing: the equipment, the space, the computers, everything,” said Trump.

On Tuesday, Trump named Space Force Vice Chief of Space Operations Gen. Michael Guetlein, to lead the Golden Dome development. His appointment underscores the pivotal role of space-based technology in the envisioned defense system, Trump said.

“The Golden Dome for America is a game changer. It’s a generational investment in security of America and Americans,” Guetlein said.

Earlier this week, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a statement saying that the phases of the Golden Dome project will include integrating existing sensors and systems with new ones.

“Some U.S. technology in space such as space-based sensors and air and missile defense exist today, but all of the systems comprising the Golden Dome architecture will need to be seamlessly integrated,” Hegseth said. “Golden Dome is being designed in close coordination with NORAD, USNORTHCOM, USSPACECOM and other DOD stakeholders to ensure full interoperability and real-time integration with our existing defense architecture.”

In a statement to GovCIO Media & Research, a NORAD spokesperson said that the command is ready to work with DOD, Canada and other commands to make Golden Dome a reality.

“The Golden Dome for America project will contribute to our ability to detect, assess and respond to threats to North America. Any technologies or capabilities that enhance our domain awareness and improve our ability to provide more decision space for leaders are of interest to NORAD,” NORAD said in a statement. “We are committed to working with our partners across the government to develop the full scope of the Golden Dome for America project and how it might best be integrated into our existing defense architecture. We will continue to prioritize our core mission of defending the United States and Canada and will ensure any new capabilities align with that objective.”

Golden Dome’s technical details are not fully clear, though the recently-passed House budget appropriates $25 billion for the project. Trump said that the system will take “a little bit less than three years” to operate fully, and he is confident that Congress will fund the $175 billion over that time frame.

During the press conference, Trump said that the system is a necessary response to a changing threat environment.

“I promised the American people that I would build a cutting-edge missile defense shield to protect our homeland from the threat of foreign missile attack,” said Trump.