Space Force maps contributions to Iron Dome initiative

The U.S. Space Force is establishing a technical integrated planning team (IPT) to support President Trump's initiative for a homeland missile defense system, dubbed the 'Iron Dome for America.' This team will evaluate the Space Force's existing capabilities and potential contributions to a multi-layered missile defense architecture, with a strong emphasis on space-based systems. Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that the IPT will assess technological maturity, cost estimates, and capability gaps related to missile tracking and warning systems. The executive order mandates a comprehensive plan to counter various missile threats, including ballistic and hypersonic missiles, and gives the Defense Secretary a tight deadline to present the strategy. Experts have raised concerns about the technical feasibility and financial viability of implementing such a nationwide missile defense system. The initiative builds on ongoing missile defense programs, including the Missile Defense Agency's tracking satellites and the Space Development Agency's infrastructure.