First Golden Dome defense test successful, Hegseth says

The first test of the missile defense system occurred Tuesday and was successful, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. He witnessed the test firsthand, he said. The Golden Dome for America autonomously targeted and eliminated all incoming threats using directed energy technology, including many drones and cruise missiles, without issue, he said. It was unclear where the test was conducted. Hegseth didn’t disclose details of the defense system, but said it used directed energy technology. The category of modern weapons uses electromagnetic or particle technology against targets.

The Golden Dome’s tests and development were on track, he said. President Donald Trump previously said he wanted the system fully implemented by the end of his term in January 2029. Hegseth said the program was realizing the defense system envisioned by President Ronald Reagan. 

What do we know about plans for the Golden Dome? It’s expected to cost about $1.2 trillion to build and operate for 20 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The Defense Department has separately projected a cost of about $185 billion for the first decade. The defense system will likely have four layers, according to estimates from the congressional budget watchdog:

• A space-based layer of satellites with missile interceptors and a warning and tracking system.

• Two surface-based interceptor layers covering wide areas of the United States.

• A layer focused on narrower regional sectors.

Dig deeper: Read my report for more details on the projected cost and effectiveness of the Golden Dome system.