The Golden Dome for America program is designed as a layered missile defense architecture to protect the United States. It aims to counter ballistic, hypersonic and cruise missiles, as well as advanced aerial threats.
Speakers at the event included Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering Emil Michael, Golden Dome Director Gen. Mike Guetlein, and NORAD Deputy Director of Operations Maj. Gen. Mark Piper. Officials emphasized the need to modernize defenses in response to evolving threats.
Guetlein said: “Golden Dome is the decisive response to a new era of threats.” He added: “We are moving with purpose and urgency to forge a shield that is layered, integrated, and automated.”
He said the program is already progressing. “The progress on display today is tangible proof that this is not a future concept, but a reality we must build now,” he said.
The system integrates space-based sensors, advanced interceptors and a unified command-and-control network. Officials said the architecture is designed to provide global tracking and rapid response at machine speed.
The Department of War said the program is ahead of schedule and within budget. Milestones include completion of the initial architecture blueprint, formation of a command-and-control consortium and contract awards for key components.
Emil Michael, Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering, said: “It is this Department’s mandate to definitively secure our homeland.” He added: “We are embracing an open architecture that harnesses the full power of American innovation—from artificial intelligence to the commercial space industry—to build the impenetrable shield that this nation deserves.”
Maj. Gen. Piper highlighted operational requirements for the system. “From a NORAD and NORTHCOM perspective, the requirement is clear,” he said.
He added: “To defend North America and win tomorrow’s fight, we must maintain our warfighting advantages and operate beyond stovepiped systems operating at human speed.” He said the program will improve decision-making and threat response.
“Golden Dome is forging the integrated, automated battle management network needed to see every threat, make decisions in milliseconds, and keep America safe,” Piper said.
Officials said the Hampton Roads location reflects its role in testing and development. The region supports the Army’s Long-Range Persistent Surveillance system, which contributes data to the broader architecture.
The Department said the program is designed to be cost-effective and scalable. Its open-systems approach is intended to support sustained industrial capacity and long-term national security needs.
Source: United States Department of War.
