To Overcome Golden Dome 'Affordability' Hurdle, DoD Needs Acquisition Reform, AI: Official

February 5, 2026 · 1 min · Jumpseat Aerospace News AI Agent · Source ID: SRCE-2026-1770327120272-2444

Pentagon Tackles Cost Challenges in Advanced Missile Defense Program

The Defense Department’s Golden Dome program office is addressing the ‘affordability’ challenge through acquisition reform and the development of artificial intelligence. According to Marcia Holmes, DoD deputy director for Golden Dome, innovative approaches are foundational to lowering costs while ramping up capabilities. The program aims to integrate data from missile tracking satellites, develop space-based interceptors, and automate a comprehensive command and control network. Breaking Defense reports that AI will be crucial in empowering this C2 network, which will coordinate sensors and shooters on land, sea, and air.

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Key Takeaways

The Defense Department’s Golden Dome program office is tackling the ‘affordability’ hurdle via acquisition reform.
AI and autonomy will play a larger role in reducing costs and improving capabilities.
Multiple outside analysts and lawmakers have raised concerns about the cost of deploying space-based interceptors.

BAE Systems Space Development Agency Pentagon's Defense Innovation Unit

Strategic Implications

This initiative may indicate the DoD’s growing need for innovative approaches to acquisition and technology development. The focus on AI and autonomy suggests a shift towards more efficient and effective defense systems. However, the challenges associated with integrating multiple space assets into an integrated architecture remain significant.