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Navy Taps Peter Reddy to Lead NAVSEA Warfare Centers Amid Engineering, Shipbuilding Pressures
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Peter Reddy. The former ASN (RDA) was appointed as executive director of NAVSEA Naval Surface and Undersea Warfare Centers.

The U.S. Navy has named Peter Reddy as executive director of the Naval Sea Systems Command’s Naval Surface and Undersea Warfare Centers, placing a senior engineering and acquisition official in charge of the service’s core technical enterprise at a time of mounting pressure on fleet delivery and modernization.

Navy Taps Peter Reddy to Lead NAVSEA Warfare Centers Amid Engineering, Shipbuilding Pressures

The Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Navy Summit on Aug. 27 convenes a high-level assembly of Navy leaders, defense officials and industry innovators to navigate the emerging technologies and modernization priorities critical to the future of naval dominance. Register now!

Reddy most recently served as deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development, test and engineering, where he oversaw science and engineering efforts, prototyping and experimentation, and test and evaluation activities across the service, NAVSEA said Wednesday. He also managed the Naval Research and Development Establishment, which includes warfare centers, naval laboratories, the Office of Naval Research and affiliated research institutions.

What Role Do NAVSEA Warfare Centers Play in Navy RDT&E?

The NAVSEA Warfare Centers serve as the Navy’s principal RDT&E organizations for surface ship and submarine systems.

The enterprise comprises multiple Naval Surface Warfare Center and Naval Undersea Warfare Center divisions that provide engineering services, technical expertise and operational support needed to design, develop and sustain naval platforms.

Reddy’s appointment positions a leader with direct oversight of the Navy’s RDT&E ecosystem to now guide execution within the very organizations responsible for delivering engineering capabilities to the fleet.

What Experience Does Peter Reddy Bring to the Role?

Reddy brings a combination of senior Pentagon leadership, technical oversight and operational experience spanning decades.

Before his most recent role, he served as executive director of Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic, where he led a large workforce delivering cyber, communications, intelligence and enterprise IT capabilities to naval and joint customers. He also previously served as the organization’s deputy executive director and as chief engineer and 5.0 engineering competency lead when the command was known as Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic.

How Has Reddy Led Acquisition and Engineering Programs?

Reddy’s career includes extensive experience managing acquisition and systems engineering efforts across the Department of the Navy and joint mission areas.

At Marine Corps Systems Command, he served as a program manager overseeing command, control and communications capabilities for the Marine Air-Ground Task Force, responsible for acquisition strategy, engineering execution, budgeting and system performance.

He also led product groups focused on sensors, command and control systems, and air defense capabilities, coordinating across the Navy, Marine Corps and joint stakeholders while managing resources and program delivery.

As an SRA International senior strategist in 2014, Reddy supported the Department of War’s technical evaluation of alternative materiel for anti-personnel landmines and cluster munitions.

A retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel, his military career included command of Marine Air Control units deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq, where he led aviation command and control operations and supported joint missions in contested environments.

Why Does Reddy’s Appointment Come at a Critical Time?

Reddy’s appointment comes as the Navy continues to face persistent challenges in delivering and sustaining its fleet, including shipbuilding delays, cost growth and industrial base constraints.

Several major Navy ship programs have experienced schedule slips of one to three years, in part due to workforce shortages and supply chain issues, Defense News reported.

In March 2025, the Government Accountability Office identified systemic issues in shipbuilding planning and execution, including cost overruns and delays that affected the delivery of new vessels and the achievement of long-term fleet growth targets.

More recently, GAO has identified gaps in digital engineering and test infrastructure that affect how effectively the Navy evaluates and fields new capabilities — functions closely tied to the warfare centers.

Against this backdrop, Reddy steps into a role that sits at the intersection of engineering execution, testing and capability delivery to the fleet.

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Why Data Superiority Is the Cornerstone of the DOW’s Digital Transformation Strategy
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Kirsten Davies. Pentagon CIO Davies on data-driven modernization strategy for digital transformation.

In testimony before the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Cybersecurity in late March, Pentagon Chief Information Officer and Wash100 Award winner Kirsten Davies outlined a strategy focused on breaking down legacy system silos, standardizing data architectures and accelerating the delivery of real-time analytics to warfighters at the tactical edge. 

Davies emphasized that the department’s modernization push is centered on turning vast, distributed data into actionable insight through a unified digital ecosystem, shifting from fragmented IT environments to an integrated, data-centric model that supports continuous operations, enhances situational awareness and strengthens mission effectiveness.

Why Data Superiority Is the Cornerstone of the DOW’s Digital Transformation StrategyDavies is keynoting the 2026 Digital Transformation Summit on April 22, providing a unique forum for government and industry leaders to gain firsthand insight from the Pentagon’s top ranking information officer on how data-centric strategies are shaping the future of defense modernization. Save your seat to secure your place in the conversation.  

What Role Does Data Play in Modern Warfighting Strategy?

The Department of War is undertaking a sweeping digital transformation effort to restructure how data is collected, integrated and operationalized across its enterprise, with the goal of enabling faster, more informed decision-making in complex environments. 

At the core of the department’s modernization strategy is the concept of transforming data into an operational advantage. During her recent testimony, Davies underscored the importance of accelerating data flows across the enterprise and ensuring that critical information is accessible at the point of need:

“Establishing clear data architecture frameworks will enhance the availability of data, further improving data insights across our ecosystem for every situation.”

A key initiative supporting this effort is the development of a common operating picture, designed to aggregate and deliver real-time insights from across the joint force. This capability enables synchronized operations and enhances situational awareness, allowing decision-makers to act with greater speed and precision. 

By prioritizing data integration and accessibility, the department aims to move beyond siloed systems and create a unified information environment that supports mission execution across domains.

How Is Data Driving Decision Dominance?

Davies told the Senate, “The operational realization of data superiority and decision dominance is the hallmark of the success of our strategic transformation journey – so this is what we will deliver.”

She explained that achieving decision dominance requires more than data collection; it demands the ability to process, analyze and act on information at the speed of relevance. The DOW is therefore investing in modern data architectures, cloud-enabled platforms and analytics tools that support rapid decision-making.

“Our modern and agile delivery approach means that when a new requirement emerges in a combined operation, we can deliver the necessary software application, analytics tool, and data, not just to our warfighters and commanders, but also to our partners, with security and speed, leveraging an intuitive user experience,” Davies said.

These efforts are designed to empower warfighters at the tactical edge while ensuring that enterprise systems remain resilient and secure. The focus on speed and quality of decision-making reflects a broader recognition that future conflicts will be shaped by the ability to outpace adversaries in the information domain. 

As Davies noted, the race for data superiority is continuous, requiring sustained innovation and alignment across technology, operations and strategy.

Davies to Spotlight Data Modernization at 2026 Digital Transformation Summit

Be the first to hear Kirsten Davies expand on these themes at the 2026 Digital Transformation Summit on April 22. The event will bring together government and industry leaders to discuss emerging protocols, data strategies and modernization priorities shaping the federal landscape.

Davies’ participation underscores the growing importance of data-centric transformation initiatives across the defense community, particularly as agencies seek to operationalize digital capabilities to support mission success.

Her insights at the summit are expected to highlight how organizations can align digital services technology investments to advance data superiority and decision dominance in modern government operations.

Why Data Superiority Is the Cornerstone of the DOW’s Digital Transformation Strategy

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FedRAMP Seeks Comment on Updated Incident Communications Procedures
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FedRAMP logo. FedRAMP has begun seeking comments on its updated incident communications procedures.

The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program has issued a request for comments to update its incident communications procedures as part of efforts to clarify reporting requirements for cloud service providers, or CSPs.

FedRAMP Seeks Comment on Updated Incident Communications Procedures

As FedRAMP seeks public input on updated incident reporting rules, government and industry leaders will continue the conversation on cybersecurity priorities at the 2026 Cyber Summit on May 21. Sign up now for the May 21 event and join experts as they discuss zero trust, post-quantum cryptography, AI in cyber defense and other trends shaping the cyber landscape.

FedRAMP said Wednesday the comment period will run through May 12. Stakeholders can submit feedback through a GitHub RFC thread or via email to FedRAMP.

What Are the Proposed Changes to FedRAMP Incident Communications Procedures?

The RFC outlines several updates intended to establish a rules-based framework for incident reporting. FedRAMP proposes shifting reporting of availability-related incidents to publicly accessible status pages or similar notification mechanisms, rather than requiring federal-specific reporting.

The updated approach would focus federal reporting requirements on incidents that are likely or confirmed to affect the confidentiality or integrity of federal customer data.

The proposal seeks to clearly define the expected reporting data elements for federal reportable incidents and introduces revised reporting timeframes based on the severity of the incident and the provider’s certification level.

What Are the Updated & New FedRAMP Definitions?

RFC-0031 proposes updates to several FedRAMP definitions for Rev5 and 20x, including the definition of “incident.” FedRAMP previously limited the definition of an “incident” to events involving federal customer data. The updated definition broadens the term to cover any event that impacts a cloud service offering, regardless of whether federal data is involved.

New definitions include initial, ongoing and final incident reports.

What Does the ICP-FRP-ORV Ongoing Review Entail?

The request for comment introduces ICP-FRP-ORV, an ongoing review requirement under which FedRAMP will periodically assess whether CSPs are following incident communication procedures.

FedRAMP will initiate reviews based on factors such as lack of reporting or other indicators. If a provider is found to be unaware of the requirements or has not implemented appropriate procedures, FedRAMP will request a corrective action plan.

Providers will have a three-month grace period to address deficiencies. Failure to implement proper procedures may result in remediation actions and potential revocation of FedRAMP certification.

The ongoing review requirement is scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2027.

In 2021, FedRAMP issued an update to its Incident Communications Procedures document, detailing the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder in the cyber incident communication process and the appropriate timeframes for reporting information regarding security incidents.

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Air Force Picks Buckley SFB, Malmstrom AFB for Nuclear Microreactor Program
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Department of the Air Force logo. DAF announced Buckley SFB and Malmstrom AFB as potential nuclear microreactor sites

The Department of the Air Force has selected Buckley Space Force Base in Colorado and Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana as potential sites for nuclear microreactors, which are intended to power military missions without interruption and strengthen national security.

The department said Wednesday that experts conducted comprehensive data and on-site analyses to identify optimal locations for the microreactors under the Advanced Nuclear Power for Installations, or ANPI, program. Buckley SFB and Malmstrom AFB were selected based on existing utility infrastructure, land availability and mission requirements.

Air Force Picks Buckley SFB, Malmstrom AFB for Nuclear Microreactor Program

Gain critical insights into the programs that are shaping the future of air and space operations at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Air and Space Summit on July 30. The event will convene government and industry experts to discuss next-generation air and space capabilities and emerging threats to national security. Sign up today. 

What Is the ANPI Program?

The ANPI program, conducted in partnership with the Defense Innovation Unit, aims to deploy advanced, contractor-owned-and-operated nuclear microreactors at military installations. Under the initiative, commercial vendors will be responsible for siting, licensing, constructing, operating and decommissioning the systems.

According to DAF, each selected installation will be paired with a commercial nuclear technology vendor whose system aligns with mission and energy requirements. The Department of War previously announced that BWXT Advanced Technologies, General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems, Westinghouse Government Services, X-Energy, Antares Nuclear, Kairos Power, Radiant Industries and Oklo will demonstrate safe and secure nuclear power capabilities under ANPI.

The microreactors will be deployed by 2030 or earlier, DAF said.

Why Is the Air Force Deploying Nuclear Microreactors?

The microreactors are expected to strengthen mission readiness through energy resilience and provide consistent power for all essential workloads.

Nancy Balkus, deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for infrastructure, energy and environment, added that the initiative ensures that “the department remains the world’s premier Air Force and Space Force.”

“By advancing the use of next-generation nuclear energy, the DAF is strengthening the energy security of our power projection platforms and contributing to long-term national energy leadership,” she stated.

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NSA, FBI Warn of Russian GRU Router Exploits Targeting Sensitive Data
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National Security Agency seal. U.S. agencies alerted users to GRU cyber campaign targeting routers.

The National Security Agency has joined the FBI and international partners in issuing a public warning about Russian military intelligence cyber actors exploiting vulnerable routers to steal sensitive information from government, military and critical infrastructure targets.

The alert follows a recent law enforcement operation that disrupted a network of compromised small-office and home-office routers used by Russia’s GRU to conduct malicious cyber activities, including domain name system, or DNS, hijacking, NSA said Tuesday.

NSA, FBI Warn of Russian GRU Router Exploits Targeting Sensitive Data

Government and industry leaders will discuss evolving cyberthreats and strategies to strengthen federal cybersecurity at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Cyber Summit on May 21. Register now.

How Are GRU Hackers Exploiting Routers?

According to the joint advisory, GRU-linked actors, known as APT28, Fancy Bear and Forest Blizzard, have been targeting vulnerable edge devices since at least 2024 to gain access to sensitive data.

The campaign involves exploiting router vulnerabilities, including flaws affecting TP-Link devices, to alter DNS settings and redirect internet traffic to fraudulent sites or services, including commonly used platforms such as web-based email systems.

Once compromised, routers enable adversaries to intercept encrypted traffic through adversary-in-the-middle attacks, allowing them to collect credentials, authentication tokens, emails and browsing data that would otherwise be protected.

The activity has affected a broad range of victims globally, with threat actors narrowing their focus to information tied to defense, government operations and critical infrastructure.

The advisory notes that compromised devices can impact multiple connected systems, including laptops and mobile devices, extending the reach of the intrusion beyond the router itself.

What Steps Should Users and Organizations Take?

U.S. and allied agencies are urging individuals and organizations to take immediate steps to secure network devices and reduce exposure.

Recommended actions include changing default usernames and passwords, updating routers with the latest firmware, disabling remote management access from the internet, and replacing end-of-support devices.

Users are also advised to treat browser and email certificate warnings with caution, as these may indicate interception attempts.

For organizations supporting remote work, the guidance emphasizes reviewing access policies, including the use of virtual private networks and hardened configurations to protect sensitive systems.

What Should Victims Do Next?

Agencies recommend reporting suspected compromises to local FBI field offices or submitting complaints through the Internet Crime Complaint Center.

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DOE Announces Up to $69M Funding Opportunity for Critical Materials Projects
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DOE seal. The Department of Energy has issued a $69 million notice of funding opportunity for critical materials projects.

The Department of Energy has announced a $69 million funding opportunity for projects aimed at advancing the domestic production and refining of critical materials.

What Is the Focus of the Funding Opportunity?

The notice of funding opportunity, issued by DOE’s Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation, or CMEI, and Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office, or HGEO, is designed to address technical barriers affecting the U.S. critical materials supply chain. It focuses on three specific categories: enhancing production efficiency for rare Earth elements, refining and alloying materials such as gallium, germanium and silicon carbide, and supporting direct lithium extraction, separation and processing.

The department aims to accelerate the development of innovations from bench-scale research to the market. Selected teams will partner with industry leaders and collaborate with U.S. national laboratories to develop these processes.

“This funding will help establish a more secure and affordable supply of the critical minerals and materials that are foundational to American energy dominance, national security, and industrial competitiveness,” said Audrey Robertson, assistant secretary of energy.

What Are the Details of the DOE Initiative?

The effort, part of the Critical Minerals and Materials Accelerator Program, is funded by CMEI’s Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office and HGEO’s Office of Geothermal. It falls under the DOE’s broader $1 billion funding initiative for critical materials announced in August 2025. Interested parties may submit their letters of intent by April 21. Full application deadlines will begin in May and vary by topic area.

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Army Launches Data Operations Center Pilot Program
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Army logo. The U.S. Army launched the Data Operations Center pilot program to address data connectivity and latency issues.

The U.S. Army has launched the Data Operations Center pilot program to help tactical units manage data connectivity and latency challenges in operational environments, Breaking Defense reported Wednesday.

Army Launches Data Operations Center Pilot Program

Register today for the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Annual Army Summit on June 18 to explore Army modernization priorities and connect with top defense leaders.

What Is the Purpose of the Data Operations Center Program?

Established on April 3 under the Army Cyber Command, the Data Operations Center will operate for 180 days to inform a potential permanent structure. According to Brig. Gen. Michael Kaloostian, director of the Command and Control Future Capability Directorate, the program is designed to equip units with data connectivity to the systems and tools they rely on. This could include enabling access to full-motion video feeds from partner nations for integration into a commander’s common operational picture or addressing latency issues in existing capabilities.

“It is the issue of trying to figure out how to connect data objects from different cloud environments. It’s trying to figure out how to learn and work with a data owner from an enterprise mission system and pulling that data into the tactical space for Next Gen C2,” Kaloostian said.

What Challenges Is the Army Trying to Address?

Kaloostian said bureaucratic processes and red tape have slowed efforts to achieve data-centric operations. In one example, soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division encountered latency issues with the Army Intel Data Platform during an exercise, disrupting targeting workflows. Meanwhile, the absence of a help desk has left officers and operational data teams troubleshooting issues on their own.

Army Expands Data-Driven Modernization Efforts

Aside from the center, the Army is advancing its push to become a data-centric, artificial intelligence-enabled force by building hyperscale data centers, data center as-a-service hubs, consolidating data into the Army Vantage analytics platform and overhauling its command and control systems through a data-driven modernization effort.

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Space Force Sends Experimental Payloads Into Orbit Via STP-S29A Mission
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U.S. Space Force logo. The Space Force launched five DOW experiments and CubeSats into orbit as part of the STP-S29A mission.

The U.S. Space Force has launched five Department of War experiments and additional CubeSats into low Earth orbit as part of DOW’s Space Test Program S29A, or STP-S29A, mission.

Space Force Sends Experimental Payloads Into Orbit Via STP-S29A Mission

The momentum behind missions like STP-S29A reflects the growing urgency to advance space capabilities and strengthen national security. Register now for the 2026 Air and Space Summit on July 30 and join leaders and experts as they discuss the future of space innovation and defense.

Space Systems Command said the STP-S29A mission carrying the STPSat-7 space vehicle lifted off Tuesday aboard a Northrop Grumman-built Minotaur IV rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

“The successful launch of STP-S29A directly answers the call for a stronger, more capable military and underscores the critical role of the Space Force in deterring future conflicts,” said USSF Lt. Col. Brian Shimek, system program manager and director for STP. 

“The space domain is where we can and must maintain our strategic advantage. This mission is a clear demonstration of that principle in action,” added Shimek.

What Is STPSat-7?

STPSat-7 is an Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle Secondary Payload Adapter-class satellite designed and developed by STP.

The spacecraft carries five experimental payloads and uses common platform avionics previously deployed to the International Space Station. STP will operate the satellite from NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

What Are the 5 Experiments Aboard the STP-S29A Mission?

The STPSat-7 satellite hosts five experiments developed by military and research organizations:

  • Gadolinium Aluminum Gallium Garnet Radiation Instrumentation-1C (GARI-1C) – Developed by the Naval Research Laboratory, this experiment will test GAGG scintillator-based radiation detection technology designed for space-based defense applications. 
  • GNSS Orbital Situational Awareness Sensor (GOSAS) – Developed by NRL, this experiment will characterize the orbital Global Navigation Satellite System environment and generate ionospheric space weather data.
  • Laser-sheet Anomaly Resolution and Debris Observation (LARADO) – This NRL-built instrument will detect and characterize small orbital debris that ground-based sensors cannot observe. NASA funds and manages the effort.
  • Nano Ultra High Frequency Communications (NanoUHF Comms) – Developed by the Naval Information Warfare Center, this payload will demonstrate military satellite communications for proliferated LEO constellations and enable beyond-line-of-sight connectivity. It includes real-time Doppler compensation to support existing Navy radio systems.
  • Rawhide – This co-prime payload is a pair of U.S. Army-sponsored CubeSats designed to continue the legacy of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command Technology Center’s mission to build and transition tactical space support capabilities to warfighters.

What Are the Secondary Payloads? 

The mission also deployed several secondary payloads that will be operated by their respective sponsors:

  • MISR-C, a 16U CubeSat program designed to demonstrate responsive, multi-mission capabilities
  • CANVAS, a NASA-sponsored University of Colorado Boulder payload studying lightning-generated waves in Earth’s radiation belt
  • ASTRA-HyRAX, an Auburn University payload funded by the Army to characterize signal direction using a hybrid array
  • AggieSat6, a Texas A&M University and Air Force Research Laboratory project demonstrating space domain awareness technologies

What Is the Space Test Program?

Founded in 1966, STP seeks to provide flight opportunities for all DOW research and development activities.

Managed by Space Systems Command’s System Delta 89, the program oversees mission design, payload-to-bus integration, space vehicle-to-launch integration and on-orbit operations for science and technology payloads that demonstrate potential military utility.

STP-S29A is the 308th mission under the program.

In 2025, SSC launched the STP-S30 and STP-H10 missions. In 2023, the command and NASA launched eight experimental payloads to the ISS as part of the STP-H9 mission.

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NTIA Launches Portal to Streamline Spectrum Reviews for Space Launches
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National Telecommunications and Information Administration logo. NTIA launched a portal for space launch spectrum requests.

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration has launched its Space Launch Frequency Coordination Portal to help streamline federal reviews of spectrum requests from commercial space launch providers.

NTIA Launches Portal to Streamline Spectrum Reviews for Space Launches

The rollout of a new NTIA portal comes amid continued focus on advancing U.S. space capabilities and federal processes. These broader developments will be part of ongoing conversations across the space community, including at the 2026 Air and Space Summit on July 30. Sign up now for this premier networking event.

In a statement published Tuesday, Arielle Roth, assistant secretary of commerce for communications and information and NTIA administrator, said the new system marks the first step in modernizing federal spectrum management.

How Will the Space Launch Frequency Coordination Portal Help Process Spectrum Requests?

The portal is designed to replace a system previously managed via email and to enable space launch providers to submit spectrum requests for S-band frequencies used in launch operations.

NTIA said the system will provide a more transparent and expedited review process. Through the portal, federal agencies can review and approve requests, provide feedback and access all elements of a request, including comments from other agencies.

How Does the New NTIA Portal Align With Other Federal Space Initiatives?

NTIA said the portal supports an executive order aimed at ensuring U.S. space superiority and is part of its broader effort to adopt digital tools to modernize federal review processes.

In November, Roth outlined a national spectrum strategy focused on expanding access, improving coordination and accelerating approvals for commercial and government users.

The Office of Space Commerce has proposed to speed up the authorization process for satellite servicing, in-space manufacturing and other emerging space activities.

The Federal Aviation Administration has streamlined commercial space license approvals by consolidating all launch and reentry licensing under its Part 450 rule, replacing multiple legacy regulations with a single framework to reduce regulatory burden and improve flexibility.

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Pentagon Issues Golden Dome CSO to Accelerate Next-Gen Missile Defense
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Department of War logo. The Department of War issued a CSO to accelerate Golden Dome development

The Department of War has posted a new commercial solutions opening, or CSO, to identify technologies that would advance the Golden Dome for America initiative, which aims to develop a next-generation missile and air defense system.

Pentagon Issues Golden Dome CSO to Accelerate Next-Gen Missile Defense

Top officials from the Department of War and U.S. Space Force will discuss the strategies, technologies and policies shaping the future of air and space power at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Air and Space Summit on July 30. The event will feature keynote addresses, expert panel discussions and networking opportunities to connect government decision makers and industry innovators and advance national security missions. Register today.

What Are the Details of the Pentagon’s Golden Dome CSO?

The CSO, issued Thursday, is an invitation for traditional and non-traditional defense contractors and nonprofit research institutions to submit white papers and proposals for prototype projects that will directly enhance the mission effectiveness of military personnel and platforms or systems supporting the Golden Dome.

The CSO is structured as a full and open competition. DOW said multiple awards are anticipated, with scope, duration and value varying depending on the proposed technologies and their relevance to the Golden Dome mission.

Submissions will be accepted through April 1, 2031.

How Much Will the Golden Dome Program Cost?

The Pentagon has increased the Golden Dome program’s cost estimate from $175 billion to $185 billion to accelerate development of homeland defense capabilities.

Gen. Michael Guetlein, director of the Golden Dome initiative and a 2026 Wash100 Award recipient, said the higher estimate reflects additional requirements tied to space capabilities within the program’s architecture.

Why Is the US Building the Golden Dome?

The Golden Dome initiative was established in compliance with a 2025 executive order directing the Pentagon to build and deploy a missile defense shield that would protect American citizens and critical infrastructure from foreign attacks.

The order calls for capabilities to detect and defeat hypersonic, ballistic and advanced cruise missiles and other emerging threats. 

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