The United States Space Force has officially launched its ambitious missile defense program known as the Golden Dome. At the end of November, the agency signed initial agreements with a number of companies to develop the core components of the future system. All details, including contractor names and contract amounts, remain classified—this is due to both security requirements and the specifics of the deal-making mechanism used.
Instead of traditional government tenders, the Pentagon employed the Other Transaction Agreements (OTA) tool, which accelerates innovation and brings in companies that have not previously worked with military contracts. This approach offers greater flexibility in terms of timelines, costs, and intellectual property rights—crucial factors for projects involving advanced technology and national security.
According to its developers, the Golden Dome is designed as a multi-layered defense system capable of detecting and neutralizing threats at different stages of their trajectory. The architecture will include cutting-edge space sensors, advanced control systems, and a hybrid of ground-based and orbital interceptors. The latter will be able to maneuver in space and physically destroy enemy missiles even before they reach U.S. territory.
Flexible contracts and secrecy
The use of OTA allows the Pentagon not only to speed up the agreement process but also to keep project details out of the public eye. This is especially important for defense programs, where information leaks could threaten national security. As a result, it remains unknown how many companies are involved in the first phase of the ‘Golden Dome’ project, or which specific technologies will be deployed at the outset.
The agency notes that this practice has already proven effective in other innovative initiatives. Thanks to the flexibility of OTA, the military can quickly adjust technical requirements, shift priorities, and implement new solutions without waiting for lengthy bureaucratic procedures to conclude.
The architecture of the future missile defense system
The ‘Golden Dome’ concept envisions the integration of various detection and interception systems operating within a unified information environment. Space sensors will track potential threats at the earliest stages, while automated control systems will coordinate the actions of interceptors. Special emphasis is being placed on developing orbital devices capable of rapidly altering their trajectory and striking targets in space.
The final design of the system has yet to be determined: the number of required interceptors, their technical specifications, and methods of deployment will depend on the results of ongoing development and testing. The Pentagon intends to choose the optimal solution after reviewing contractor proposals and conducting a series of tests.
Impact on the defense industry
The launch of the ‘Golden Dome’ program could mark a turning point for the entire American defense sector. The inclusion of new players and the introduction of flexible contracting schemes open up opportunities for companies that previously had no access to military contracts. This stimulates competition and accelerates the emergence of advanced technologies capable of strengthening national security.
Experts note that such initiatives enable the US to maintain leadership in missile defense and space technology. Amid growing international competition and emerging new threats, timely modernization of the arsenal becomes a key factor in maintaining strategic balance.
By the way: Lockheed Martin is a global giant in the defense industry
Incidentally, Lockheed Martin, a name often associated with cutting-edge military developments, holds a leading position in the global defense industry. Founded in 1995 through the merger of Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta, the corporation specializes in the production of aviation, space, and missile technology. Among its most well-known projects are the F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, THAAD and Aegis missile defense systems, as well as numerous satellites and spacecraft. Lockheed Martin actively collaborates with US government agencies and allied partners, carrying out large-scale programs for national and international security. The company invests significant resources in research and development, enabling it to remain at the forefront of technological advancement in the defense sector.
