The National Interest
The “Iron Dome for America” proposal creates an enormous chance to think differently while the United States adapts its culture and processes to the strategic landscape it faces today.
The United States is under relentless daily attack in the cyber domain and information space. At the same time, the Homeland is also threatened by multiple potential adversaries capable of using a variety of next-generation weapons systems, including both drones and ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic missiles. Any of these threats can be launched from platforms in the air, land, and sea domains, or even sub-sea and space, and from virtually any direction. With continuous technological innovation, and now Artificial Intelligence, threats to our homeland will continue to grow at an exponential rate. Foes are already surreptitiously planting malware—modern day Trojan horses—in and around our critical infrastructure in anticipation of potential crisis or conflict.
On January 27th, 2025, the White House released a new Executive Order titled, “Iron Dome for America.” Since its release, the Order has generated much discussion and attention. Unfortunately, much of this discussion has centered on stove-piped legacy systems that were designed for yesterday’s threats. Others are suggesting an entirely space-based solution is required—a costly, lengthy, and likely inadequate remedy. Instead, it is time for a comprehensive and holistic approach to homeland defense—one that addresses the full spectrum of current and future threats.
