A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missile interceptor is seen during the third annual “Made in America Product Showcase” on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C. The Golden Dome for America project could employ several missile defense systems. REUTERS
REUTERS
Republicans in the U.S. Congress plan to introduce a sweeping $150 billion defense package that will give an initial $27 billion boost to President Donald Trump’s Golden Dome for America missile defense shield, according to a budget document and a congressional aide. “We’re revitalizing our defense industrial base, strengthening our ability to deter adversaries like China, and giving our servicemembers the support they deserve.” the document said.
The congressional aide said two congressional committees were in lockstep with the president on the spending priorities in the package. According to the document seen by Reuters, the bill’s largest item is $29 billion for the procurement of 14 new ships and what it called a “historic largest-ever” investment in unmanned ships.
As part of an $11 billion expansion of combat aircraft purchases, the bill also funds the purchase of about 40 Boeing Co F-15EX fighter jets, the congressional aide said. Some $20 billion in funding has been allotted to produce new munitions, expand the country’s supplier base and replenish critical minerals stockpiles.
U.S. Space Command said April 9 that it had finalized options for the Golden Dome missile defense system and sent its recommendations to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The futuristic system was ordered by the president during his first week in office.
In his January executive order, Trump gave the military 60 days to provide him recommendations on what an overall system would look like. The program was previously known as Iron Dome but was renamed by the Pentagon in February to Golden Dome for America.