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President Trump’s “Golden Dome” czar has revealed that he has conducted private discussions with more than 300 companies to develop the secretive missile defense shield planned to protect the entire U.S. homeland by mid-2028. Gen. Michael A. Guetlein, vice chief of space operations at the U.S. Space Force, made his first public remarks about the initiative at the Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley, California.
While the detailed design of Golden Dome remains classified, Guetlein expressed confidence that industry partners understand the administration’s plans. The system will feature a layered defense integrating existing ground-based missile interceptors with futuristic space-based assets, including potential space-based interceptors. The Pentagon imposed a gag order in August to prevent officials from publicly discussing the initiative, though Guetlein provided some broad details at the forum.
The Space Force recently awarded small, undisclosed contracts to develop space-based interceptor prototypes, though the companies involved were not publicly identified. Guetlein defended the secrecy surrounding the program, emphasizing that Chinese and Russian intelligence agencies are closely monitoring U.S. defense developments. He explained that transparency with industry occurs through one-on-one meetings rather than public symposiums to prevent adversaries from gaining insights.
Guetlein warned that space is no longer a sanctuary, citing China’s capability to launch missiles at satellites and deploy robotic systems to capture them. He also noted Russia has deployed “nesting dolls” in space, where satellites spawn additional satellites and kill vehicles. Establishing a credible deterrent against China and Russia is a fundamental principle of Golden Dome.
Congress approved $24.5 billion in funding for the initiative this year, though defense industry sources indicate development costs will increase dramatically in coming years. While many in the national security community view the missile shield as urgently needed given nuclear and ballistic missile threats from China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, some lawmakers have expressed concerns about transparency and spending oversight. Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island warned the program could become a “slush fund” for the Trump administration.
Despite concerns, the annual Reagan National Defense Survey showed 68% of Americans support developing Golden Dome. Sen. Deb Fischer defended the secrecy, citing the need to protect sensitive information from adversaries.
Guetlein emphasized that the technology exists and the challenge involves integrating various capabilities into a networked system. The rollout will occur incrementally, with an operational capability expected by summer 2028, though this will not represent the final system.
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