Lockheed Martin announced its plan to conduct an on-orbit demonstration of a space-based missile interceptor by 2028, a pivotal component of the U.S. Golden Dome missile defense initiative aimed at strengthening homeland security amid rising threats from China and Russia. The Golden Dome program envisions a multi-layered defense shield, with space-based interceptors designed to detect and destroy ballistic and hypersonic missiles during their boost or mid-course phases, well before they can threaten territory. Lockheed Martin’s CEO Jim Taiclet highlighted the company’s evolving approach to research and development in achieving this goal. The technology promises to address current gaps in missile defense, particularly against highly maneuverable hypersonic threats that challenge existing systems like THAAD and PAC-3. Lockheed is competing with other major defense contractors like Northrop Grumman to lead this critical development. This test marks a significant advance in missile defense, potentially reinforcing India’s strategic interests by demonstrating U.S. commitment to maintaining technological superiority in space and missile defense domains. The announcement was made in October 2025, underscoring the urgency and importance of the project within the evolving global security landscape.