Lockheed Martin is advancing the US military’s strategic defense ambitions with the development of a new C2 prototyping framework for the emerging Golden Dome air and missile defense architecture — Washington’s envisioned counterpart to Israel’s Iron Dome.
At the core of this effort is “The Lighthouse,” a secure innovation hub within Lockheed’s Center for Innovation in Suffolk, Virginia. Designed for cross-sector collaboration, the facility enables live, virtual, and simulated tests, alongside classified wargames, modeling exercises, and mission demonstrations.
The goal is to test and refine advanced command and control capabilities for Golden Dome using proven technologies across all operational domains, from the seabed to space. Among the tools under evaluation are AI-enhanced decision support systems, battle management tools, threat modeling software, and sensor-tasking and mission planning platforms.
Golden Dome Strategy
The Golden Dome represents a transformational approach to US homeland defense, combining layered missile protection with AI-driven detection and interception systems. The system is intended to intercept hypersonic, cruise, ballistic, and unmanned threats before they reach US territory.
As part of this long-term vision, the Missile Defense Agency recently announced a $151 billion SHIELD program aimed at accelerating the Golden Dome initiative. The program will involve multiple contracts across weapons design, cybersecurity, threat detection, and systems integration.
The Pentagon aims to field initial Golden Dome capabilities within the next three years, reinforcing a strategic shift toward multi-domain, AI-integrated defense systems capable of addressing evolving global threats.
