The United States has successfully tested its long-range radar system in Alaska, developed to counter ballistic missile threats. This radar will serve as a key component of the Golden Dome defense system, which has an estimated budget of around $175 billion.
The Pentagon announced that it has tested a long-range radar system in Alaska capable of detecting potential missile attacks from countries like Russia and China at an early stage. The radar is expected to play a sensor role in the Golden Dome missile defense shield in the future. According to the statement, the system successfully “detected, tracked, and reported” data from a target missile. The Pentagon emphasized that this functionality is vital to the Golden Dome program, which aims to protect the U.S. and its allies from ballistic missile threats.
System Developed by Lockheed Martin Integrated into Existing Defense Infrastructure
The Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR), deployed by the U.S. Department of Defense in central Alaska, was developed by Lockheed Martin and functions as an integral part of the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense system.
The radar is designed to enhance the effectiveness of interceptor systems located in Alaska and California against potential missile threats from countries like Iran and North Korea.
Test Conducted Through Interagency Collaboration
The test flight took place on Monday at Clear Space Force Station, in collaboration with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA), U.S. Space Force, and U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM). During the test, a target missile developed by the MDA was launched over the North Pacific Ocean and successfully tracked by the LRDR from a distance of approximately 2,000 kilometers (about 1,243 miles), off the southern coast of Alaska.
Future of the Golden Dome Project Remains Uncertain
Inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome system, the Golden Dome project aims to establish a satellite-based network to detect, track, and intercept incoming missiles. However, its projected cost of $175 billion has placed the project at the center of political debates and financial uncertainty.
Although the system is planned to become operational by January 2029, some experts question whether the proposed timeline and budget are realistically achievable.
