Pentagon Plans Initial Golden Dome Missile Defense Test 2028

The Pentagon is preparing to conduct the first major test of President Trump's ambitious Golden Dome missile defense system in late 2028, coinciding with the U.S. presidential election. The Golden Dome aims to create a comprehensive network of satellites equipped with sensors and interceptors to defend the continental U.S. against hypersonic, ballistic, and cruise missiles launched globally, including from space. While Trump pledged the system would be fully operational within three years, internal plans suggest only a controlled demonstration might be feasible by 2028, with the test likely representing just the initial phase of the program. The initiative faces significant technical and economic challenges, particularly regarding the scalable production of space-based interceptors and satellite coverage, as noted by Space Force Gen. Michael Guetlein, who leads the project. Pentagon officials have adopted a non-traditional acquisition approach to expedite development, with hopes to showcase a successful test as a political milestone in the 2028 election. However, emerging threats such as Chinese-developed stealth materials could potentially undermine the system's effectiveness.