The Paris Air Show serves as the platform for Lockheed Martin and Boeing to demonstrate their missile defense capabilities for President Trump’s $175 billion Golden Dome initiative.
The January announcement introduced a massive satellite-based defense system which will detect and intercept missile threats. The two companies presented their current systems as immediate solutions for the program’s initial stages even though the final system will incorporate space-based interceptors and directed-energy weapons.
Lockheed presented PAC-3 missiles and THAAD interceptors and C2BMC command systems as existing technologies which can easily integrate into Golden Dome. According to Lockheed missile systems chief Tim Cahill the company possesses product lines which match the requirements of the mission.
The company demonstrated its ability to track missiles and deploy laser weapons through its defense capabilities. The interim defense and space head Steve Parker stated that Boeing has invested significant work into the initiative but refused to provide details.
SpaceX maintains its position as a potential winner in the competition. The competitive dynamics of defense contracts might change because of reported tensions between Elon Musk and the Trump administration which led to a review of SpaceX defense contracts.
