Candace BarnetteGen. Mike Guetlein has been confirmed as the first director of the newly created Office of Golden Dome for America. The Senate confirmed him July 17, and he will oversee development of the Trump administration’s proposed nationwide missile defense program’s capabilities.
In his new role, Gen. Guetlein will report directly to Deputy Sec. of Defense Steve Feinberg. His office will partner with government agencies, national laboratories, academic institutions and defense contractors in the coming months, seeking to develop a plan that equips the nation with new missile defense capabilities.
President Trump launched the Golden Dome Defense program in January 2025 with Executive Order 14186. Congress provided $25 billion in mandatory funding for fiscal year 2026 (FY26) through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
The Defense Department plans a multi-layered shield combining space-based sensors, ground radars, early-stage missile interceptors, hypersonic defenses and integrated command systems. The system will be deployed gradually, starting with the highest-risk areas.
The $25 billion allocated for FY26 will be used to buy interceptors like upgraded Patriot missiles, develop space-based defense systems, install advanced sensors and set up integrated command centers.
The deployment will occur in phases from 2026 through the early 2030s. The Space Development Agency plans to launch initial defensive spacecraft by 2026, but the Space Force has delayed its first missile warning satellites from late 2026 to spring 2027.
A Missile Defense Agency spokesperson said the agency wants to launch a prototype Discriminating Space Sensor satellite by 2029. The full system is expected to reach operational capability in the early 2030s.
Defense contractor Lockheed Martin says it plans to deliver its portion of the system by the end of 2026.
As part of his newly assigned responsibilities, Gen. Guetlein must deliver an objective architecture plan to Defense Sec. Pete Hegseth within 60 days of taking office. His office is recruiting talent from the private sector and academia to build the program team, with plans for industry engagement sessions and contractor briefings in the coming months.
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center from Greenbelt, MD, USA, Public domain, from Wikimedia Commons
