Gen. Michael Guetlein speaks at the 2025 McAleese & Associates defense programs conference

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Pentagon has increased its cost estimate for the Golden Dome missile defense initiative to $185 billion over the next decade, up from a previously reported $175 billion, as the program shifts more funding toward space-based capabilities.

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Sandra Erwin writes about military space programs, policy, technology and the industry that supports this sector. She has covered the military, the Pentagon, Congress and the defense industry for nearly two decades as editor of NDIA’s National Defense...