US Golden Dome missile defense system set for testing by 2028 — CNN

According to two sources familiar with the matter, the Pentagon has scheduled its first major test of the expensive Golden Dome missile defense system just before the 2028 election, setting a strict deadline for the military and developers.

"Once fully constructed, the Golden Dome will be capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world," CNN sources said.

At the same time, missile tests are planned to begin well before 2028. The US Department of Defense plans to call the tests FTI-X. FTI stands for Integrated Flight Test, indicating that the tests will involve the joint operation of many Golden Dome systems to engage multiple targets.

Key challenges for Golden Dome

The three-year timeline is particularly ambitious, given that the US has been researching the possibility of intercepting space-based missiles for decades.

"Hard problem, and technically very risky. The possible number of satellites needed to achieve a probability of engagement success is going to be very high, given the time and area needed to cover the continental United States," said an unnamed Pentagon official.

Ultimately, the tests conducted in 2028 may only constitute the first phase of the program. The project is currently focused on rapid advancement using existing systems.

"I think the real technical challenge will be building of the space-based interceptor. That technology exists, I believe. I believe we have proven every element of the physics, that we can make it work. What we have not proven is, first, can I do it economically, and then second, can I do it at scale? Can I build enough satellites to get after the threat? Can I expand the industrial base fast enough to build those satellites?," said Space Force General Michael Guetlein, who was appointed head of Golden Dome development in May.

How much will Golden Dome cost?

In May, Trump said that $25 billion would be allocated to the Golden Dome. But the project is expected to cost at least hundreds of billions of dollars.

Golden Dome components

Some of the technologies that are likely to be needed for the Golden Dome are already being tested. For example, Northrop Grumman CEO Kathy Worden said the company is already beginning to test space interceptors.

The Pentagon also announced last month that the Missile Defense Agency had successfully tested a long-range radar system from Lockheed Martin in Alaska that can track ballistic missiles.

However, representatives of the defense department and companies hoping to participate in the project are still waiting for the Pentagon to provide a general design plan for the extremely complex system.

According to sources, the Golden Dome will be exempt from traditional Pentagon oversight procedures for the most expensive military weapons programs, as the new development requires an unconventional approach to procurement and full support from the Department of Defense.

Golden Dome

The Golden Dome is an ambitious US defense program that involves the creation of a space-based system for the early detection and destruction of enemy missiles before they reach a significant part of their trajectory.

This involves launching hundreds of sensor satellites into orbit for observation, as well as combat satellites with lasers or missile weapons to intercept targets.

According to Reuters, the network could consist of 400-1,000 satellites to detect launches and approximately 200 combat vehicles to destroy missiles in the air.

Among the companies vying to participate in the project are Elon Musk's SpaceX, Palantir, and Anduril. At the same time, SpaceX will not be involved in the development of weapons, but only in the technical infrastructure.

In May, Trump announced that the Golden Dome missile defense system would cost $175 billion and approved the allocation of the first tranche.