GOLDEN DOME Act of 2025

This bill builds a nationwide “Golden Dome” system to help protect people in the United States from missiles and drones. It links sensors on land, at sea, in the air, and in space, and uses artificial intelligence to combine data so threats can be found and stopped faster. It orders at least 40 new space-tracking satellites by December 1, 2025, and aims to field up to 80 next‑generation interceptors in Alaska by January 1, 2028. It also sets a tight testing plan with frequent exercises to prove what works.

It upgrades major early‑warning radars, finishes a land‑based missile defense site in Hawaii and plans one in Alaska, and speeds up production of key interceptor missiles. It can also use airships and tethered balloons to watch the skies and support communications in a crisis, and expands undersea surveillance. To move quickly, the Defense Department can waive some rules for building and testing, with court challenges limited and on a short timeline. The bill pushes open competition for space systems and strengthens authority to counter hostile drones while keeping sensitive methods secret. It authorizes about $23 billion in 2026 to fund these steps, including big investments in space‑based defenses and satellite sensors.

• Who is affected

  • People across the U.S., since the plan prioritizes defending citizens at home.
  • Communities in Alaska and Hawaii, where interceptors, radars, and sites are built or upgraded.
  • Companies in the space and missile‑defense industry, due to new work and competition rules.

• What changes

  • More satellites and sensors, plus faster testing and fielding of defenses.
  • New or upgraded sites and radars in Alaska and Hawaii.
  • Faster production of interceptor missiles and better navigation if GPS is jammed.
  • Stronger tools to counter drones and protect sensitive bases, with some details kept secret.

• When

  • A full missile‑defense strategy is due within one year.
  • First virtual test by 540 days after enactment; regular live‑fire tests follow.
  • At least 40 space‑tracking satellites by Dec 1, 2025.
  • Up to 80 interceptors in Alaska by Jan 1, 2028.
  • Drone‑mitigation authority extended through Dec 31, 2030.
  • About $23 billion authorized for fiscal year 2026.