Why Golden Dome for America is Critical to Defending Our Future

In today’s rapidly evolving threat landscape, America’s Ground-Based Midcourse Defense system, though robust, must evolve to defend against the expanded threats our nation faces. As adversaries accelerate their development of advanced weapons systems, including hypersonic glide vehicles, fractional orbital bombardment systems, and space-based weapons, the urgency to modernize our national strategic defense has never been clearer.

A New Era of Threats

The Ground-Based Midcourse Defense system was designed primarily to intercept intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). Emerging threats travel faster, maneuver unpredictably, and originate from an increasingly complex variety of platforms, including sea-based launch systems, space-deployed assets, and autonomous drones.

According to the most recent DIA threat assessment, the U.S. faces six independent, credible threats:

• Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs)
• Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs)
• Boosted Hypersonic Weapons (Aeroballistic Missiles and Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HSVs)
• Hypersonic Glide Bodies
• Aero-Ballistic Hypersonic Missiles
• Fractional Orbital Bombardment Systems

These threats are not theoretical, they are being actively developed and tested by peer/near-peer adversaries, many of whom are explicitly focused on challenging the U.S. homeland’s defensive posture.

Enter: Golden Dome for America

The Golden Dome for America initiative, announced via Presidential Executive Order on January 27th, is the most ambitious homeland defense undertaking in U.S. history. It aims to establish a multi-layered, integrated homeland defense system capable of detecting, tracking, and neutralizing every class of missile or space-based threat to the North American continent.

Golden Dome for America Isn’t Optional, It’s Critical

Golden Dome is critical to bring our ability to defend the homeland to the level our nation requires to counter the vast array of threats we face while also staying ahead of adversaries. Our ability to respond decisively against any means or access of attack will ensure the safety and sovereignty of the homeland and, ideally, provide the ultimate deterrent.

Honeywell’s Role: Enabling the Shield

As a proven leader in advanced aerospace technologies, Honeywell Aerospace is uniquely positioned to contribute across the Golden Dome conceptual architecture. Our essential product offerings in these elements of the architecture will help ensure the system’s performance, reliability, and, perhaps most importantly, accuracy:

• In Space: Honeywell’s space-qualified sensors, inertial navigation systems, and star trackers ensure pinpoint accuracy and 24/7 global situational awareness.
• Defense Effectors: We provide advanced power, environmental control, and targeting support systems integrated into platforms.
• Command, Control, and Communications: Our secure communications and autonomy-enabling technologies strengthen C3 networks and facilitate fully integrated joint all-domain operations.
• Space-Based Systems: Honeywell is pioneering the development of thermal and power systems required for directed energy systems and boost-phase interceptors - critical components in the fight against hypersonic and orbital threats.

Looking Ahead

Golden Dome for America is more than a program - it’s a national imperative. It reflects a monumental shift in how we think about deterrence and homeland defense in the 21st century. The speed at which the world is changing requires an equally fast and committed response. Our nation needs the defense industrial base to step up. At Honeywell, we are proud to stand on the front lines of innovation - ready to do our part to defend the homeland, ensure mission success, and help America lead in a world where space is the next battleground.

Let’s modernize boldly. Let’s defend decisively. Let’s build the Golden Dome.