Trump's Golden Dome is a new multi—level missile defense system with space, lasers and unique batteries

President Donald Trump has returned with a massive plan to protect the United States from missile threats — a system called the Golden Dome. This is not just another defense program, but a multilevel, almost fantastic system that consists of four layers of protection, like an onion.

The first layer is located right in space — there will be special satellites with sensors that watch for rocket launches around the clock and transmit data to ground stations. Thanks to them, a threat can be detected very early.

And then there are three layers of the earth.: These are networks of interceptor missiles, powerful radars and... lasers! Yes, yes, lasers — although they are still in development, but there are plans to introduce them for fast and accurate protection. These batteries will be distributed throughout the United States — on the mainland, Alaska and Hawaii. It is planned to place 11 such batteries in total.

Another interesting point is that the project provides for the construction of a new huge missile range in the Midwestern United States, where the latest interceptor missiles, including those manufactured by Lockheed Martin, will be developed and tested.

According to the plans, the Golden Dome should become the largest and most technologically advanced shield — it will protect the country from ballistic, hypersonic and cruise missiles, including those that can carry nuclear warheads. The total cost is estimated at hundreds of billions of dollars, and the system is scheduled to be operational by 2028.

Trump claims that the system will be as effective as possible, and hopes that it will become a serious signal of US power and a deterrent to potential adversaries.

Microphones against hypersonic missiles: how an old trick from the First World War can help against new weapons

Hypersonic missiles are a radar nightmare. They fly 5-10 times faster than sound, are enveloped in plasma, which "extinguishes" radio signals, and change their trajectory on the way to the target. But there is one caveat: they make a lot of noise. And this is exactly what a new, but essentially ancient idea is based on — to detect missiles not with radars, but with microphones.

Does that sound like a joke? But it's not. It's a return to the roots. Back in World War I, armies used arrays of microphones to determine where enemy artillery was firing from. The time difference between the sound of the shot coming to different microphones was measured, and the launch point was calculated from this difference. Today's technology just took this idea and put smart glasses on it.

Modern acoustic systems are not just microphones, but entire networks of "smart" sensors with integrated processing. They determine the direction of the sound themselves, classify it (it's a drone, it's a jet engine, it's an explosion), and immediately send the data to the command center. And they do it quickly, cheaply and without radiation, which means they are difficult to detect.

Infrasound sensors are especially powerful — they catch waves with a frequency below 20 Hz, which spread over hundreds of kilometers, almost without losing strength. Such systems are already in use: for example, the American UTAMS tracks missile launches, mines and shelling by sound. And in Ukraine, the Zvook network operates — thousands of acoustic sensors that use artificial intelligence to analyze noise and help air defense to find drones, Grads and helicopters. It's not a replacement for radars, but it's a great addition, especially when the enemy uses silencers and low-profile targets.

So can such a "microphone shield" stop a hypersonic missile?

Partly— yes, but not in the way it seems.  

While the rocket is at launch, during takeoff, it emits a powerful engine roar and an explosion — this can be detected. Acoustic networks can record the moment of launch and orient other systems: satellites, IR sensors, radars. That is, the microphones here are not the main character, but the "starting whistle".

But as soon as the rocket goes into the stratosphere, the sound lags behind. A sound wave travels at 340 m/s, while hypersound travels at 1,700 m/s or higher. In addition, the air is thin at high altitude, and sound does not spread well. Therefore, acoustics are powerless in the terminal phase of flight.

The real "hunters" of hypersound are: 

- Satellites with infrared sensors that see the fire plume from the engine;  

- Powerful AFAR radars capable of operating in interference conditions;  

- Over-the-horizon systems that track missiles beyond radio visibility;  

- And most importantly, data fusion systems that combine information from all sensors into a single picture.

So microphones are not a panacea, but a valuable element of the mosaic. They are cheap, easy to deploy, and work great in the near-term. In the fight against hypersound, they will not replace space systems, but they can provide those very first seconds that decide the outcome of an attack. And in war, as you know, every second counts.

The US Army is preparing a new air defense and missile defense strategy — what to expect before 2040?

 

In about three months, the U.S. Army will officially unveil its new air and Missile Defense (Air Defense) strategy./ABM), covering the period up to 2040. This document will not just be another plan — it will define how the American army will protect its forces, allies and interests in an era when threats from the air and from space are becoming more complex, rapid and diverse.

Why is the strategy appearing right now?

Because the war has changed. What used to be a fantasy from science fiction is now reality.:

- Hypersonic missiles that fly at a speed of Mach 5+ and can maneuver, making them almost invulnerable to older air defense systems.

- Massive drone attacks — from cheap tactical UAVs to kamikaze missiles like the Shahed.

- Cruise and ballistic missiles of medium and short range, which can be launched from land, sea and even from submarines.

- Cyber attacks on air defense systems to blind radars or disable command nodes.

All this requires a completely new approach. And old systems like Patriot or THAAD, although effective, can no longer cope alone.

What will be in the new strategy?

The official document has not yet been published, but according to leaks and statements by officials, key areas can be identified.:

1. Integrated Air Defense/Missile Defense Network (IBCS)  

   Everything should work as a single organism: radars, missiles, drones and satellites — in one network. The goal is to "see once — strike from anywhere." If the radar in Germany detects a target, the missile can be launched by a system in Poland.

2. Lasers and railguns (DE M-SHORAD and IFPC-HEL)

The Army is actively testing combat lasers and electromagnetic guns (railguns). They are cheaper than missiles, can fire almost indefinitely, and are ideal for repelling drone and rocket attacks. By the 2030s, they can become the basis of tactical defense.

3. Satellite Tracking Network (Space-Based Sensor Layer)

Satellites will continuously monitor hypersonic targets from the moment of launch. This is the key to interception, because such missiles are difficult to detect from the ground.

4. Hybrid defense: from tactics to strategy 

   The strategy will cover all levels, from protecting a single infantry unit (using interceptor drones and mini-lasers) to global defense against intercontinental missiles.

5. Focus on China and Russia 

   The document will be clearly focused on competition with the great powers. The main scenarios are conflict in the Taiwan Strait, tensions in Europe and threats in the Indo-Pacific region.

6. Compatibility with allies  

   The new systems will be developed taking into account compatibility with NATO, Japan, South Korea and other partners. This is important for common defense and data exchange.

What is already working?

Some elements of the future strategy are already being tested:

- DE M-SHORAD— a 50-kilowatt laser mounted on a Stryker armored personnel carrier.

- IFPC Inc 2-I is a system capable of intercepting drones, missiles and artillery shells.

- LTAMDS is a new radar for Patriot capable of seeing hypersonic targets.

And what about the budget?

No way without money. The US Army is asking for billions of dollars to implement the strategy. But with shortages and rising costs for other programs (including cybersecurity and AI), priorities will have to be chosen.

Why until 2040?

Because a new generation of threats is on the way. By 2040, there may be:

- Hypersonic missiles with AI guidance.

- Autonomous drone packs.

- Orbital weapons.

- Electromagnetic pulses (EMP) as a means of mass destruction.

The US Army wants not just to catch up, but to get ahead.

 Result

A new air defense strategy/Missile defense is not just a defense plan, but a look into the future of war. It will show how the United States intends to stay ahead when the enemy can attack from land, sea, air, space and even from digital space.

When the document is released, the world will know how ready America is for a war that no one has seen before.

Northrop Grumman is building a "Golden Dome" for America — and wants to be in charge of the new air defense

 The American giant of the defense industry Northrop Grumman has stated that it will not just be a participant, but a key player in the Pentagon's large—scale missile defense system called the Golden Dome for America. Does it sound like fiction? In fact, this is a new US strategy to create a unified, super—powerful air defense network capable of intercepting missiles, drones, and even hypersonic weapons.

Northrop Grumman is actively expanding its participation in the Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) program. The company already supplies radars, control systems, sensors and software that link everything together — from satellites to interceptor missiles. Now they want to become the "brain" of this whole system.

Why now? Because the threats are growing: China, Russia, and North Korea are all actively testing new missiles, including hypersonic ones. And the United States understands that the old systems are not enough. We need a unified network that sees everything, thinks fast and hits accurately.

In addition, the demand for such technologies is growing not only in the United States, but also abroad — the allies want to protect themselves. And Northrop Grumman is ready to supply not only components, but also entire defense architectures.

So the Golden Dome is not just a metaphor. This is an attempt to create an impenetrable shield over America and its allies. And Northrop Grumman is already building a place for itself at the center of this system.

America is building a "Golden Dome": the United States launched purchases of $ 151 billion for a super-powerful missile defense system

 The United States has officially turned on the first gear in the race for a new era of missile defense — the country has launched a procurement procedure for the incredible amount of 151 billion dollars for a program called the Golden Dome. Does it sound like fiction? And this is real politics. The goal is not just to intercept a couple of missiles, but to build a large—scale, all—weather, all-pervasive system that can protect the entire continent from a wide variety of threats, from ballistic missiles to hypersonic projectiles.

What is the Golden Dome? So far, this is not one specific system, but a large-scale initiative that combines advanced technologies of the future: lasers, interceptor satellites, artificial intelligence for trajectory analysis, hypersonic sensors and much more. According to the idea, this will not just be an "umbrella" over the United States, but a multi-level shield capable of operating at all stages of the rocket's flight — from launch to the final approach to the target.

The money will be used for everything from R&D (scientific research and development work) before purchasing components, testing, and deploying new systems. It is already known that the project involves both traditional defense giants — Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman — and new players working with space sensors and AI.

Why now? The situation is heating up. China and Russia are actively testing hypersonic weapons, North Korea continues to launch, and threats are becoming increasingly difficult to predict. Older systems like GMD or Aegis can no longer handle it alone. We need something new - faster, smarter, more reliable. So we decided to build a "dome".

Interestingly, the name "Golden Dome" intentionally refers to the Israeli "Iron Dome", but with a difference in scale — there it was about protection from Qassam missiles, and here it was about survival at the superpower level. Just imagine: a network of satellites in space that see the rocket launch in real time, transmit data to earth, where AI instantly calculates the trajectory, and then an interceptor is launched — all in a matter of minutes.

However, critics are already grumbling: $151 billion is a lot of money. Will the project turn into a "bottomless barrel"? Yes, there is a risk. But the Pentagon believes that it is better to overpay now than to be left without protection later.

So the Golden Dome is not just a program. This is a strategic challenge for the future. And if everything goes according to plan, in 10-15 years that invisible but impenetrable shield may indeed appear over America.

Chinese spy in the United States pleads guilty: Stole blueprints for super-secret missile sensors

A major scandal in the world of high technology and national security: a citizen of the United States and China, Chengguan Gong (59 years old), officially pleaded guilty to espionage in favor of China. In fact, he stole what is worth billions — the smart brains of the American missile defense system.

That's how it was. Gong worked as an engineer for some secret scientific company in Los Angeles (the name is not called, but it is clear that it is serious). And last year, he simply collected more than 3,600 files — an entire digital library of secrets — and transferred them to his personal flash drives and external drives. And these are not just any notes: the files were clearly marked as strictly confidential, and their total value is estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars.

What exactly did he steal? The most advanced developments in infrared sensors that protect the United States:

* Missile detection systems in space — these sensors should capture the very moment of launching nuclear missiles and track their flight, including ultrafast hypersonic ones.

* Aircraft protection systems — sensors that sense when heat—seeking missiles are aimed at a military aircraft (the ones that "see" the engine heat), and allow you to turn on protection - for example, to launch a false target or suppress the missile signal.

* The development of the "next generation" — technologies that will be able to detect even very  inconspicuous targets  that previously could have escaped the radar.

* Mounting and cooling designs — even how these super-sensitive sensors are physically installed and cooled also ended up in the package.

All this stuff was found at Goon's house in Southern California. The US Department of Justice emphasizes that it acted to help China develop its own military technology. This is not just a theft of intellectual property, it is a direct interference in the strategic defense power of the United States. The trial continues, and such a confession of guilt is usually followed by a serious sentence. History is a classic example of how one person with access to secrets can cause enormous damage.

The United States continues to attempt to create hypersonic missiles: what is behind the HASTE program

The United States continues its offensive push in the hypersonic weapons race. In July 2025, the American company RocketLab conducted another test launch under the HASTE program, a suborbital hypersonic vehicle that should become the closest analogue of the Russian Avangard rocket. The launch was scheduled for July 12-13 from NASA's Wallops Island test site, and aroused great interest from both the military and analysts.

What is HASTE?

HASTE is a hypersonic vehicle developed by RocketLab for the Pentagon, which is intended to serve as a platform for testing technologies needed to create hypersonic gliders. The construction uses carbon composites, modern 3D-printed parts, as well as miniature electronics of the latest generation. This is not just a flying tube — it is a technological prototype of the future.

However, unlike the Russian Avangard, which has been on combat duty since 2019, HASTE remains at the experimental stage. That is, if Russia already has a combat system, then the United States still has a technology demonstrator.

 Contract with Dynetics and prospects

In 2023, the US Department of Defense signed a contract with Dynetics to conduct several HASTE launches in 2024-2025. These tests will be used to develop the LRHW (Dark Eagle Rocket) and CPS programs, promising hypersonic gliders for land and marine systems. If all goes according to plan, the US will be able to equip its new Sentinel intercontinental missiles with hypersound, as well as future Trident-II replacements on submarines.

The rebirth of the ARRW

In addition to HASTE, the United States has resumed the ARRW (Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon) program, which is developing the AGM-183A air-launched hypersonic missile. This missile is launched from an airplane, gains altitude and speed on the upper stage, and then separates and flies to the target at a speed of about Mach 5, maneuvering and bypassing the air defense systems.

The main advantage of the ARRW is its compactness. Due to its small size, it can be equipped with both nuclear and non-nuclear warheads, making it a versatile tool for rapid response.

HACM program: a new generation of cruise missiles

Another interesting project is HACM (Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile), developed by Raytheon. It will be the world's first hypersonic cruise missile with a ramjet engine and hypersonic combustion. Gorenje Its claimed speed is up to Mach 8, which makes it extremely difficult to intercept.

However, the implementation of the project still raises questions: no one has yet mastered technologies of this level in mass production. But if the United States succeeds, it will be a new era in hypersonic weapons.

The United States clearly does not intend to lag behind in the hypersonic weapons race. The HASTE, ARRW and HACM programs are different branches of an ambitious project aimed at creating a full range of hypersonic systems — from ground and underwater to aviation.  

However, despite technological superiority and financing, the United States still remains in the role of catching up. Russia and Avangard have already shown that they can create working combat systems, while American projects are still at the stage of testing and refinement.

The US Army plans to deploy a second Dark Eagle hypersonic missile system in 2026, despite doubts about its effectiveness

LRHW/Dark Eagle

Despite growing doubts from experts and criticism about combat lethality and reliability, the US Army remains committed to its hypersonic weapons program and has announced plans to deploy a second Dark Eagle hypersonic missile system in 2026.

The system, officially known as the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), is part of the Pentagon's strategy to create a new generation of high-speed strike weapons capable of bypassing the most advanced air and missile defense systems. The main element of the LRHW is the Dark Eagle hypersonic missile itself, which can reach speeds of more than Mach 5 (17,000 km/h) and is equipped with an Advanced Hypersonic Weapon (AHW) maneuvering warhead.

The first battery was officially put into service in 2023 after a series of successful, albeit limited, tests. However, since then, a number of analysts and specialists have raised questions about the real combat value of the system. In particular:

- Accuracy problems when hitting mobile or low-visibility targets;

- High cost of development and production;

- A limited number of launches for a full reliability assessment;

- The complexity of logistics and integration into existing command structures.

Nevertheless, the US Department of Defense believes that hypersonic technologies are a key element of future strategic parity, especially in light of similar programs by Russia and China, which have already deployed their own hypersonic complexes such as Avangard and DF-17.

The deployment of the second system in 2026 will be an important stage in the process of building operational capabilities, and will also allow additional field tests to be conducted in conditions close to combat. According to Pentagon officials, the goal is not only to strengthen the US position in the hypersonic race, but also to develop tactics for using such systems in multinational coalitions.

In the future, the LRHW/Dark Eagle program may become the basis for creating a flexible and distributed network of hypersonic strike systems compatible with NATO and other allies.

Israel and the United States are depleting stocks of interceptor missiles amid escalating conflict with Iran

According to sources, Israel and the United States are facing a serious problem — the depletion of stocks of interceptor missiles necessary to protect against Iran's ballistic missiles. Israel is in a hurry to destroy the Iranian launchers, but these efforts have not yet brought significant success, as the number of available interceptors is rapidly decreasing.

Iran has a huge arsenal of ballistic missiles — according to American intelligence estimates, about 2,000 units, many of which are capable of carrying heavy warheads. In the face of a possible massive missile strike, Israel and its allies are forced to use significant air defense and missile defense resources, which leads to a rapid depletion of stocks of interceptor missiles such as Patriot and Arrow systems.

The United States is actively supporting Israel by deploying additional forces and air defense systems to the Middle East, including tanker aircraft and Patriot and THAAD complexes. However, even with this support, experts express concern that the Israeli air defense system may not be able to withstand intense rocket fire from Iran.

In the context of the growing conflict, the Iranian side continues to increase the production of missiles, including the Haji Qasem hypersonic missiles capable of overcoming modern missile defense systems. This creates serious challenges for Israel and its allies, forcing them to look for new security solutions.

China intends to arm Pakistan with DF-17 hypersonic missiles as part of strategic shift

China plans to arm Pakistan with DF-17 hypersonic missiles, which will be a radical strategic shift in defense cooperation between the two countries. This initiative reflects the deepening military-technical partnership between Beijing and Islamabad and could significantly change the balance of power in the South Asian region.

According to available information, Pakistan is considering two main options for obtaining hypersonic technologies: direct transfer of the Chinese hypersonic gliding combat unit DF-ZF (Hypersonic Glide Vehicle, HGV) or joint development of new systems based on existing intelligence sharing and defense cooperation between the countries. Both options involve a significant strengthening of Pakistan's missile potential and an expansion of its capabilities to deliver precision strikes with high speed and maneuverability.

The DF-17 hypersonic missile is equipped with a gliding combat unit capable of reaching speeds in excess of Mach 5 and maneuvering on its flight path, which significantly complicates its interception by modern air defense and missile defense systems. The transfer of such technologies to Pakistan will enhance its strategic potential and pose a new challenge to regional security, especially in the context of the confrontation with India.

The joint development or transfer of DF-17 technology will also strengthen military-political ties between China and Pakistan, demonstrating their commitment to creating a balance of power in the region and countering the influence of other world powers.

Thus, arming Pakistan with DF-17 hypersonic missiles will become an important stage in the development of military-technical cooperation between the countries and can significantly affect strategic stability in South Asia.

France has begun a large-scale reconstruction of the Luxeuil-Saint-Sauveur airbase to accommodate nuclear bombers and hypersonic weapons

France has begun a large-scale reconstruction of the Luxeuil-Saint-Sauveur airbase, located in remote hills in the east of the country. The cost of the project is estimated at $ 1.7 billion. The main goal of the modernization is to prepare the base for the reception of nuclear bombers and the integration of the latest types of weapons, including new—generation hypersonic missiles.

The reconstruction works will last about ten years. By 2035, the airbase will be twice as large in area and equipped with modern infrastructure facilities to support high-tech weapons systems. Special attention is being paid to the deployment and maintenance of hypersonic missiles, which will significantly enhance the strategic potential of the French armed forces.

In addition, the base will host a fleet of 50 Rafale fighter jets, which will become a key element of France's air defense and nuclear deterrence. Modern fighter jets equipped with hypersonic weapons will provide the country with the ability to respond quickly and effectively to any threats.

The reconstruction of Luxeuil Saint-Sauveur reflects France's desire to strengthen its defense capability and maintain its status as a nuclear power with modern means of delivering strategic weapons. This project also demonstrates the importance of innovative technologies in ensuring national security in a changing geopolitical environment.

Raytheon supplied upgraded AN/TPY-2 radar for missile defense system: protection against hypersonic strike

AN/TPY-2 radar

Raytheon Technologies has announced the first delivery of an upgraded AN/TPY-2 radar to the United States Missile Defense Agency (MDA). This radar is a key element of the missile defense system and is designed to detect, track and track ballistic and advanced hypersonic targets at a considerable distance.

A special feature of the new radar variant is the use of gallium nitride (GaN) — a modern semiconductor material that provides significantly greater power and range compared to previous technologies. This allows the system to  detect the threat earlier, which makes it possible to launch the interceptor in time to destroy the hypersonic missile  before its active maneuver begins, when defeat becomes an extremely difficult task.

The AN/TPY-2 radar is already used as part of the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) systems and integrated into the global U.S. missile defense network. Upgrading with GaN makes it even more effective against rapidly evolving threats, especially from countries developing hypersonic weapons.

The United States continues to build up technologies capable of resisting the new generation of weapons. This delivery is an important step in ensuring strategic security and increasing the chances of successful interception at the earliest stages of an attack.

China has unveiled a breakthrough maritime air defense system to combat hypersonic weapons and UAVs

 

In the April issue of the Chinese defense magazine Modern Weaponry, a new development was presented — a prototype of a naval air defense system designed to repel a wide range of threats, including hypersonic anti-ship missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, including swarms. attacks .

This system, according to Chinese experts, represents  the world's first approach to integrated terminal ship protection, combining elements of microwave weapons, rapid-fire anti-aircraft guns and a high-precision radar tracking system. This integrated solution makes it possible to effectively intercept targets at the final stage of their attack, when traditional air defense systems often turn out to be helpless.

The creation of this system was a logical step in China's efforts to modernize its naval forces. In recent years, the Celestial Empire has been actively developing technologies to counter high-speed precision weapons, which are increasingly being used both in theoretical scenarios and in real conflicts.  

Previously, such complexes as FK-4000, equipped with antenna arrays to combat inconspicuous targets, and Bullet Curtain, capable of forming a "wall of projectiles" to repel massive attacks, have already been presented. The new system will be an important addition to these solutions, creating a multi-level air defense model suitable for use both on ships and on the coast.

Given the tensions in the South China Sea and possible clashes with American military groups, the development of powerful air defense systems is a strategic priority of China. This is especially relevant in light of the emergence of new types of weapons, such as the Russian Zircon or similar Western hypersonic missiles, which endanger even the most modern ships if they are not adequately protected.

Thus, the new air defense system is not just a technological breakthrough, but also an important element of China's defense capability, aimed at ensuring the safety of its surface forces in the era of smart combat drones and hypersound.

China demonstrates military might with missile tests in the Gobi Desert

Recently, China conducted a rare large-scale missile test in the Gobi Desert, which attracted the attention of military experts and analysts from around the world. This event is a clear indication of Beijing's growing confidence in its ability to counter modern threats and project dominance on the international stage.

Missile tests in the Gobi Desert are conducted at specialized training grounds, where conditions are as close as possible to real combat conditions. Such tests make it possible to evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of new missile systems, as well as to test their ability to overcome difficult weather and geographical conditions. The success of such tests confirms that Chinese military technology is at the forefront of global progress.

China is actively modernizing its military infrastructure and developing advanced weapons, including missile systems. These efforts are aimed at strengthening national security and increasing the combat readiness of the army. In recent years, China has become a global leader in hypersonic missiles, cyber warfare, and space technology.

Large-scale missile tests in the Gobi Desert are also important for the international situation. They confirm that China is ready for dialogue on an equal footing with other world powers and is able to ensure its security in the face of increasing geopolitical challenges. It may also encourage other countries to step up their military programs.

Northrop supplies the United States with the hundredth integrated combat control system

 IBCS is an architectural marvel built on a modular, open and scalable basis. This design philosophy allows legacy systems like Patriot to be integrated with advanced ones like Terminal High Altitude Area Defense [THAAD], Sentinel Radar, and even newer platforms like the F-35 sensor suite.This creates an ecosystem in which the data from each sensor is used to improve the effectiveness of each shooter, regardless of its origin or design.The operational essence of IBCS lies in its ability to provide what military tacticians call the "overall operational picture." This means that in the chaos of combat, where threats range from slow-moving drones to hypersonic missiles, commanders can see a unified picture of the battle space in real time.

IBCS