Cost estimate for 'Golden Dome' missile defense system balloons to $1.2 trillion

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has revised its cost estimate for the Golden Dome missile defense system to $1.2 trillion, covering development, deployment, and operation over 20 years. This figure exceeds last year’s estimate of $542 billion and far surpasses the White House’s initial $175 billion projection announced in May 2025. The Golden Dome for America (GDA) aims to shield the U.S. from ballistic and hypersonic missiles using advanced interceptors and space-based satellites. The Space Force plans to have missile-tracking satellites operational by 2028, though full system details remain undisclosed. The CBO’s report outlines a four-layered defense system, including space-based interceptors, sensors, and communication networks. The space-based layer alone would require 7,800 satellites in low Earth orbit to engage up to 10 simultaneously launched intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), targeting capabilities deemed representative of a regional adversary. Acquisition costs dominate the budget, with $1 trillion allocated for development, deployment, and research. The space-based interceptor layer represents 70% of acquisition costs and 60% of total expenses. The system’s layered structure ensures redundancy, allowing independent operation if command-and-control links are disrupted. The CBO’s estimate reflects assumptions due to limited technical specifics, but the projected scale underscores the system’s ambition. Critics may question feasibility, while supporters highlight its potential to counter evolving missile threats from adversaries like North Korea.