The cost of developing a promising US anti-missile defense system called "Golden Dome" is now at 10 billions of dollars more, than previously planned. Additional funds were allocated to accelerate the deployment of key space elements of the system. According to the head of the program, General Gatlein, defense giants Lockheed Martin officially joined the project as main contractors, RTX та Northrop Grumman.
For reference: Lockheed Martin is the world's largest American military-industrial corporation, a leader in the field of aircraft construction, space, defense technologies and shipbuilding. The company is known for the production of F-35 fighters, F-22, F-16, HIMARS missile systems and other advanced equipment for the US and allies. RTX Corporation — one of the largest American defense forces in the world
and aerospace conglomerates. The company is a key supplier of air defense (Patriot, NASAMS), missiles (Tomahawk, Javelin, Stinger) and aircraft engines (Pratt & Whitney), over 90% revenues of which are provided by military orders. Northrop Grumman Corporation — one of the world's largest American military-industrial companies and suppliers of military technology. Specializes in the aerospace industry, electronics, information systems and shipbuilding, occupying leading positions in the production of weapons.
The creation of the "Golden Dome" system involves the expansion of ground defense means, such as interceptor missiles, sensors and command and control systems. In addition, the use of space elements is planned, intended for detection, tracking and potentially countering threats from orbit. In addition, the project provides for the placement of interceptors in space, which will allow to neutralize threats in the early stages of their flight. General Gathlein named three programs, which will receive additional funding: "Advanced Missile Tracking Initiative", "New Space Data Transmission Network" and "Space Sensor System for Tracking Hypersonic and Ballistic Missiles".
The amount of 185 billions of dollars covers that, what the American general called "objective architecture" — a fully functional system, which will be deployed over the next decade. He identified space interceptors as the most risky element of the program, citing scalability and availability as the main concern. The head of the program noted, that directed energy weapons and next-generation artificial intelligence are the most promising technologies to reduce the cost of interception.
Source: https://militarnyi.com