Senators launch the $21B Golden Dome Act to create a nationwide missile defense system modeled on Israel’s Iron Dome.

Comprehensive Missile Defense Bill Follows Trump’s Directive

U.S. senators unveiled the Golden Dome Act on Tuesday, a $21 billion legislative package designed to deliver a nationwide missile defense shield for the United States. Inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome, the proposal responds to escalating threats from Iran and advances in missile and drone technology from Russia, China, and other adversaries.

The plan is spearheaded by Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), with more than two dozen defensive strategies included. The legislation draws on President Donald Trump’s January order to develop a modern missile defense system, and builds on historic efforts such as former President Ronald Reagan’s “Star Wars” initiative.

“The escalating missile threats we’ve witnessed from the Iranian terrorist regime and the rapidly evolving hypersonic, cruise missile and drone threats from Russia, China, and other adversaries demonstrate why we need to develop a robust, modernized missile defense system to protect the entire country—which the Golden Dome Act will do,” Sullivan stated. He emphasized that effective policy demands presidential leadership, appropriated funding, and comprehensive legislation.

Space-Based Sensors and Nationwide Upgrades

The Golden Dome plan features both near-term upgrades and future-focused research. Immediate efforts will replenish munitions such as PAC-3 Patriot missiles and revitalize key defense sites, including the Clear Space Force Base and Fort Greely in Alaska—home to approximately 80 ground-based interceptors. The Cobra Dane radar system in the Aleutian Islands and the AEGIS Ashore missile range in Kauai, Hawaii, are also slated for enhancement.

Future capabilities outlined in the act include the development of space-based sensors and research into the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. Additional assets such as mobile launch systems and a new early-warning radar for the southern United States are planned. These upgrades aim to counter emerging threats, including hypersonic missiles and advanced drones, while improving detection, tracking, and interception across multiple domains.

Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy underscored his state’s pivotal role, noting its geography is “sort of perfect” for missile defense. State officials view Alaska as both the commercial and defensive gateway to Asia, providing strategic coverage in the event of attacks originating from abroad.

“We have to act in order to defend against the evolving and complex threat landscape. Senator Sullivan and I introduced the GOLDEN DOME Act to build a layered missile defense system, which protects our homeland from catastrophic attacks from modern missiles,” Senator Cramer said. He pointed to recent suspicious foreign land purchases near sensitive military sites as evidence of ongoing risks.

National Security at the Forefront

The Golden Dome legislation would also establish an advanced battle-management system, granting the president and military leaders real-time visibility and control in the event of a missile attack. The authors of the bill argue that existing U.S. missile defense policy has been too narrowly focused on threats from rogue states and accidental launches, rather than the evolving sophistication of modern adversaries.

Rep. Mark Messmer (R-Ind.), who will lead the companion bill in the House, emphasized, “We must stand ready to prevent nuclear weapons from harming our citizens.” The bipartisan initiative signals a significant investment in homeland security at a time of intensifying global competition and technological change.

As Congress begins deliberations on the Golden Dome Act, defense officials, lawmakers, and the public will closely watch whether the U.S. can realize Trump’s vision of a comprehensive, 21st-century missile shield to deter and defeat emerging threats.