The Iron Dome for America: United States to develop next-generation missile defense system

The Executive Order mandates four key objectives: recognising missile threats, deploying advanced missile defense technology, expediting development within 60 days, and increasing missile defense capabilities beyond U.S. borders in coordination with allied nations. The initiative seeks to ensure the United States can effectively deter and defend against aerial attacks from adversaries.

According to the directive, the missile defense shield will be designed to intercept threats at multiple phases, from pre-launch to mid-course and terminal stages. This comprehensive system will incorporate land, sea, air, and space-based capabilities, integrating existing military platforms while developing new space-based sensors and interceptors.

The United States Space Force and the Air Force will take a leading role in the deployment of this defense architecture. The Missile Defense Agency has been given the authority to oversee development, while the U.S. Northern Command and Space Command will manage operational command responsibilities. A high-ranking four-star military official or equivalent civilian authority will be tasked with executing and overseeing the program.

The plan also prioritises the development of space-based defense technologies, including interceptors capable of neutralising missile threats before they reach their intended targets. Investment in these systems will help counter missile advancements by foreign adversaries, particularly China and Russia, who have expanded their missile capabilities in recent years.

In addition to homeland defense, the Executive Order emphasizes the protection of forward-deployed U.S. troops and allied nations. The Department of Defense has been instructed to collaborate with allies on missile defense technology, expanding cooperation on development, operational integration, and military deployment.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that the Executive Order represents a major step in revitalising U.S. military capabilities. “This directive will rebuild our military by aligning threats with the right capabilities. It involves reforming our defense industry, streamlining acquisitions, ensuring financial accountability, and deploying emerging technologies at a rapid pace.”

Within 60 days, the Secretary of Defense is required to present a detailed plan outlining the architecture, capabilities, and implementation strategy for the new missile defense system. This includes an assessment of the strategic missile threat to the United States and prioritising locations for missile defense deployment to counter potential nuclear strikes.

The Executive Order also breaks with previous international norms regarding space-based missile defense, a move driven by evolving security challenges. It signals a shift in U.S. defense strategy, aimed at countering modern threats through technological innovation and strategic military positioning.

Source: The Iron Dome for America (Executive Order).