Priorities for Army fires top off SMD Day 3
Top news from the final day of the 2026 Space and Missile Defense Symposium.
Should the US demonstrate its space weapons?
A recap of leading news from the second day of the 2026 Space and Missile Defense Symposium.
presented by
MQ-9B and Gambit Series: Advancing European Defense Capabilities
GA-ASI will build Gambit aircraft in Europe, partnered with European-based companies, with airframes available for international procurement starting in 2027.
Space-based interceptor contractors passed first Golden Dome milestone: Guetlein
The Defense Department will not decide whether to produce operational space-based interceptors until after industry demonstrates their feasibility, Gen. Michael Guetlein said.
Army selects air defense unit to prepare for Golden Dome mission
“Leading up to [2028], we're going to do a lot of experimentation and test with this unit to make sure that we're ready to fight with it when it's delivered,” said Lt. Gen. John Rafferty.
Will money run out for Golden Dome?
A recap of leading news from the first day of the 2026 Space and Missile Defense Symposium.
If funding falters, ‘there’s no Golden Dome,’ Guetlein warns
“Without continued funding, Golden Dome will stop with everything we've already built and delivered,” Space Force Gen. Michael Guetlein told reporters today.
presented by
Localizing tactical communications for sovereign, NATO-ready C3I
Beyond foreign sales, Rafael’s model enables tech transfer, local engineering, and is a template for NATO partners.
What to expect at America’s largest missile defense expo
A look at what we expect to see at this year's Space and Missile Defense Symposium.
K2 tapped to host Space Force satellite laser links tests
Satellite-to-satellite communications via optical laser-light links is at the heart of the Space Force's future missile warning/ tracking architecture, and in turn the Trump administration's Golden Dome missile defense shield.
Time to decide: A critical moment in Japan-US missile defense cooperation
In the face of growing air and missile threats in the Pacific, robust radar coverage and command networks will be critical to US and Japanese defense objectives, Tom Karako writes.
Greece approves over $3.4B in air defenses for Achilles’ Shield
The system would reportedly rely heavily on Israeli tech as Athens, like other world capitals, rushes build a national "shield" against aerial threats.
presented by
Acquisition reform at the speed of war
As part of the DoW’s acquisition transformation, streamlined processes must be extended to all companies in the defense industrial base.
Lockheed rolls out cheaper Patriot, MBDA showcases low-cost interceptor
Displayed in a truck mounted configuration at the show, the new MBDA weapon is an upgrade to the company's ground-launched, Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) and can also be integrated on unmanned ground vehicles or unmanned surface vessels.
New ‘Golden Defender’ missile monitor ship to be built at Hanwha Philly shipyard
The ship, which will support the Golden Dome effort, will be based on the national Security Multi-Mission Vessels Hanwha Philly Shipyard builds for the US Maritime Administration.
SDA resumes data relay satellite launch following tech fixes
The next set of 21 Tranche 1 Transport Layer birds are set to launch Thursday on a SpaceX Falcon 9, SDA Director Gurpartap "GP" Sandhoo told reporters.
SDA awards L3Harris, Sierra $1.75B for missile defense satellites
The new satellites for missile warning, tracking and targeting are being developed under an "accelerated" schedule to meet the Pentagon's 2028 plans for demonstrating its Golden Dome missile defense shield.