The U.S. Golden Dome missile defense shield cost rose $10 billion to a new total of $185 billion. The program director increased the budget to accelerate the development of advanced satellite networks and sensors. These space-based capabilities will track hypersonic and ballistic missiles.
Lockheed Martin, RTX Corp., and Northrop Grumman are the official prime contractors for the project. The system integrates traditional ground-based interceptors with a new orbital layer for threat detection.
This long-term spending initiative provides a major tailwind for the aerospace and defense sector. The project directly impacts major holdings in defense ETFs such as XAR.