The Golden Dome missile defense shield's total cost estimate rose by $10 billion to $185 billion. Space Force General Michael Guetlein announced the budget increase at the McAleese Defense Programs Conference.
The Pentagon designated the additional funding to accelerate space-based capabilities for tracking advanced missile threats. Lockheed Martin, RTX Corp., and Northrop Grumman will serve as prime contractors for the expanded effort.
The program includes the Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) and the Advanced Missile Tracking Initiative. These components form a next-generation orbital defense layer designed to counter hypersonic weapons.