On November 5, 2025, the U.S. emphasized the strategic significance of the Golden Dome missile defense initiative during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, describing it as essential for maintaining its nuclear second-strike capability amid rising threats from China. Navy Vice Adm. Richard Correll highlighted the program’s aim to counter advanced missile threats through an integrated defense system managed by the U.S. Space Force. Despite skepticism regarding its technological feasibility, the administration views Golden Dome as crucial for deterrence stability, particularly in the context of evolving Indo-Pacific security dynamics. This initiative underscores the need for robust defense mechanisms to ensure credible nuclear retaliation, reflecting a broader commitment to counteract the growing military capabilities of adversaries like China and Russia.