Overview
- Space Force issued a Dec. 7 request for prototype proposals for space-based midcourse interceptors focused on kinetic solutions, with offers due Dec. 19.
- Gen. Michael Guetlein said 18 Other Transaction Agreements were awarded in late November for space-based interceptor prototypes covering boost- and glide-phase concepts, ground systems, and fire-control software.
- The Pentagon is leaning on existing service contract vehicles to execute Golden Dome work, and the Missile Defense Agency has cleared 1,014 companies to compete under SHIELD, with reporting describing up to roughly $151 billion in potential contracting opportunities.
- Guetlein reaffirmed a summer 2028 target for an initial defensive capability and said technology is viable but scaling and affordability—requiring high magazine depth and low cost per shot—are the primary challenges.
- A compromise fiscal 2026 defense authorization bill calls for an annual report on Golden Dome’s architecture, cost and schedule and requires quarterly briefings to Congress until the system is fully operational.