Congress unveils an innovative framework to protect U.S. airspace, combining breakthrough technologies with international cooperation in response to evolving global threats.
Last month, Donald Trump announced an innovative initiative aimed at protecting the United States from aerial and missile threats through the "Golden Dome" program.
Now, the Congressional Armed Services Committee has submitted a detailed nine-point proposal to the Pentagon, intended to serve as the foundation for developing the next generation of missile defense systems and forming the backbone of this initiative.
The proposal comes against the backdrop of recent geopolitical developments—particularly the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Israel—which have underscored the critical importance of robust air defense systems.
According to a recent report by Breaking Defense, the ambitious plan includes several key components. Foremost among them is a call for the rapid replenishment of all U.S. and allied missile interceptor stockpiles, with a focus on Patriot and SM-3 systems. This is to be accompanied by an accelerated deployment of next-generation interceptors under the NGI (Next Generation Interceptor) project, which includes expedited acquisition of capabilities for detection, identification, tracking, and kill.
The body of the article focuses on the creation of a novel sensor architecture that will include sensors for hypersonic systems, ballistic missiles, space-based assets, and maritime and terrestrial air defense components in Europe. Additionally, the program calls for increased investment in cutting-edge technologies such as high-power lasers, high-power microwaves, and AI-driven autonomous interceptors.
A particularly unique component of the program is the development of interception systems capable of neutralizing threats before launch—this includes cyber operations, signal jamming, and the destruction of enemy command and control systems.
The proposal also emphasizes the construction of defense systems in full cooperation with allied nations, both strategically and economically. At the same time, the U.S. will continue to invest in traditional deterrence tools, including nuclear deterrence, through ongoing development of intercontinental Sentinel missiles, B-21 bombers, LRSO cruise missiles, and Columbia-class submarines.
Finally, the plan notes continued investment in space launch research and development, while maintaining U.S. supremacy in setting behavioral norms and operational control of space-based weapons systems, in light of the growing threat from Russia and China in developing anti-satellite (ASAT) capabilities.