The United States has successfully tested a long-range radar in Alaska that can detect missile threats from Russia or China and could one day serve as a sensor in the Golden Dome missile defense shield, Reuters reported, citing a Pentagon statement.
These are key tasks for Golden Dome, a $175 billion program to protect the United States and potentially its allies from ballistic missiles.
The US Department of Defense's long-range radar in central Alaska was built by Lockheed Martin as part of an existing ground-based missile defense system in the mid-range.
The system is designed to increase the effectiveness of interceptors based in Alaska and California, which are currently on standby to shoot down incoming missiles fired from Iran or North Korea.
Inspired by Israel's "Iron Dome", the "Golden Dome" program has faced political scrutiny and funding uncertainty due to its projected cost.
The shield is expected to be operational by January 2029, although experts question the timeline and budget feasibility.