WASHINGTON — A report published last month by defense analyst Todd Harrison estimating the potential costs of the Golden Dome missile defense system landed like a fiscal bombshell. President Trump in May said it would cost $175 billion over three years. The Congressional Budget Office projected between $161 billion and $542 billion over two decades. Harrison’s “robust all-threat defense” scenario came in at $3.6 trillion over the same time period. 

To continue reading this article:

Register now to read
3 free articles this month.

You’ll also receive our weekly Editor’s Choice, SpaceNews This Week and Opinions newsletters. Opt-out at any time.

Sign in to an existing account

Get unlimited access to SpaceNews.com, the SpaceNews app and our digital monthly magazine for less than $5 per week.

$280

On a campus or library network? Check for access.

Cancel anytime. Sales tax may apply. No refunds. Terms and conditions apply.

See all subscription options

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...