The Pentagon has set an ambitious timeline for testing a new multi-billion-dollar missile defense system, scheduling the first major evaluation of the "Golden Dome" just before the 2028 presidential election.
According to 6abc Philadelphia, the aggressive deadline aligns with President Donald Trump's May pledge to complete the space-based shield within three years. The system aims to protect the entire United States from missile attacks.
Defense officials familiar with the matter indicate the timing suggests political considerations, with one source noting to CNN that "they want a win to point to in November [2028]." The test, designated FTI-X (Flight Test Integrated), will evaluate how the system's various sensors and weapons work together to engage multiple targets.
Technical Challenges Facing Ambitious Timeline
The three-year development schedule is particularly bold considering the United States has been researching space-based missile interception for decades without deploying a comprehensive system.
A defense official described the project as "technically very risky," noting that "the possible number of satellites needed to achieve a probability of engagement success is going to be very high." The satellite constellation would need to provide continuous coverage of the continental United States.
Space Force Gen. Michael Guetlein, who leads the Golden Dome development, acknowledged these challenges during a recent industry summit. "I think the real technical challenge will be building of the space-based interceptor," he said, adding that while the physics are proven, questions remain about economic viability and production scale.
Funding Concerns and Cost Projections
Trump has allocated $25 billion for the Golden Dome from recent spending cuts, but the final price tag is expected to reach hundreds of billions of dollars.
Some technologies essential to the system are already in development. Northrop Grumman has begun testing space-based interceptors to support the project, according to CEO Kathy Warden in a recent earnings call.
The Pentagon also successfully tested a long-range radar system in Alaska last month that can track ballistic missiles from as far away as Russia and China. This Lockheed Martin-built sensor will likely be incorporated into the Golden Dome architecture.
Bypassing Traditional Oversight Procedures
The Golden Dome project is proceeding with minimal oversight, raising concerns among some defense officials about proper evaluation and resource management.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the gutting of the Pentagon's Office of the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation shortly after it disclosed plans to oversee Golden Dome testing. This office typically reviews testing plans for major defense systems.
Gen. Guetlein has been granted unusual autonomy in awarding contracts and procuring technology. According to a Pentagon memo, he reports directly to Deputy Secretary of Defense Stephen Feinberg, bypassing normal chain of command.
Corporate Competition for Lucrative Contracts
Dozens of defense contractors are competing for roles in developing the Golden Dome, with three companies emerging as frontrunners.
SpaceX, Anduril, and Palantir have reportedly made direct pitches to Secretary Hegseth, who has indicated interest in their proposals. These companies specialize in various aspects of space and defense technology essential to the project.
A Pentagon memo justifies the streamlined process by stating that this "complex, highly technical effort requires a non-traditional acquisition approach and full support from all DoD components from inception." Critics worry this approach could lead to wasteful spending if the system ultimately fails to meet requirements.
