The Pentagon plans to conduct the first test of the Golden Dome missile defense system at the end of 2028, a period that coincides with the United States presidential elections.
The project, driven by former President Donald Trump’s promise to create a national missile shield, will be led by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and is expected to integrate sensors and interceptors into a unified system capable of responding to large-scale attacks. The test, named FTI-X (Flight Test Integrated), represents an ambitious step forward in the country’s space defense.
Despite the progress, the three-year timeline is considered risky by experts, mainly due to technical complexity and the need for extensive satellite coverage. Space Force General Michael Guetlein, the project leader, stated that the main challenge lies in producing space interceptors at scale and in a cost-effective manner. Companies like Northrop Grumman have already started testing key technologies, and the long-range radar developed by Lockheed Martin was recently approved after testing in Alaska, strengthening the system’s infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the defense sector awaits a more detailed plan of the Golden Dome architecture, which is expected to be released soon by the Space Force. There are concerns regarding the costs and effectiveness of the program, especially after the shutdown of the office responsible for evaluating operational tests. Even so, sources indicate that the project is gaining momentum, with the aim of demonstrating that a global missile shield can be viable and worthy of continued investment.
Source: Militarnyi | Photo: X @northropgrumman | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
Missiles move fast — but America’s Golden Dome will move faster, and we’re ready to power it.
Discover the future of missile defense in Golden Dome and how we’re leading the way. https://t.co/xVPTBHHVEN pic.twitter.com/VmDBYjRAC8
— Northrop Grumman (@northropgrumman) June 11, 2025
