Golden Dome Shield Advances With Radar Success in Alaska
Missile Detection Radar Test at Clear, Alaska: A Major Step Toward the Golden Dome Defense System
Test Date: June 23, 2025
Location: Clear Space Force Station, Alaska
Conducted by: U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) & U.S. Space Force
What Happened
The U.S. Missile Defense Agency, in partnership with the U.S. Space Force and U.S. Northern Command, successfully tested the Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) at Clear Space Force Station in Alaska. This radar tracked a simulated intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) target over 2,000 kilometers, validating its operational capabilities and integration with U.S. missile defense systems.
Key Test Details
| Feature | Description |
| Test Name | Flight Test Other-26a (FTX-26a) |
| Radar Used | Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) |
| Test Target | Air-launched missile simulating an ICBM |
| Distance Tracked | Over 2,000 kilometers (1,243+ miles) |
| Supporting Systems | Upgraded Early Warning Radar (UEWR), C2BMC, GMD |
| Outcome | LRDR successfully tracked and sent data for simulated intercept |
| Next Steps | Further integration with the “Golden Dome” system and operational rollout |
Why This Matters: Strategic Impacts
1. Strengthening U.S. Homeland Defense
- The LRDR enhances the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system by providing high-precision tracking of ICBMs and other threats.
- Supports 44+ interceptors located at Fort Greely (Alaska) and Vandenberg Space Force Base (California).
2. Supports Golden Dome Initiative
- A $175 billion missile shield proposed by former President Donald Trump in 2025.
- LRDR is a core ground-based sensor in a broader architecture including satellites, radars, and space interceptors.
3. Boosting Alaska’s Strategic Role
- Positions Alaska as a frontline defense hub for threats from the Pacific and Arctic corridors, especially from North Korea, Iran, China, and Russia.
- Encourages military investments and local economic growth.
Technical Overview: What Is LRDR?
The Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) is a gallium nitride-based, S-band Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar developed by Lockheed Martin.
| Feature | LRDR Capabilities |
| Field of View | 220 degrees (with full hemispherical coverage) |
| Function | Tracks warheads, decoys, and space objects |
| Role | Missile discrimination, space surveillance |
| Integration | Works with GMD, C2BMC, and future space systems |
| Redundancy | Maintains coverage even during partial downtime |
FAQs: Missile Defense Radar in Alaska
Q1: What missile did LRDR track?
A simulated air-launched target mimicking an ICBM flying over 2,000 km from the North Pacific.
Q2: Was this LRDR’s first live test?
Yes, this was the first time LRDR tracked a live missile target after previous delays in 2023 due to target anomalies.
Q3: What’s the Golden Dome?
A planned multi-layered missile defense system for the U.S. and allies, similar in concept to Israel’s Iron Dome but designed to protect against ICBMs, hypersonic, and cruise missiles.
Q4: Will this radar track satellites too?
Yes. LRDR also contributes to space domain awareness, monitoring satellites and debris in low Earth orbit.
Q5: When will the Golden Dome be ready?
Expected operational capability is targeted for January 2029, with LRDR playing a vital early role.
Comparison: LRDR vs. Other Missile Defense Radars
| Radar Type | LRDR | Upgraded Early Warning Radar (UEWR) |
| Tech | S-band AESA (GaN-based) | Legacy phased array |
| Discrimination | High (can distinguish decoys, warheads) | Moderate |
| Range | 2,000+ km (long range) | Long, but older system |
| Mobility | Fixed (Clear, Alaska) | Multiple U.S. and international sites |
| Space Role | Space situational awareness enabled | Primarily missile tracking |
| Golden Dome | Central sensor node | Supportive, legacy integration |
Expert Perspective
“This was a key test in the LRDR’s development, proving its ability to deliver precision tracking for homeland missile defense while contributing to future space-based interceptor missions.”
— Lt. Gen. Heath Collins, MDA Director
“Alaska is no longer just a gateway to the Arctic—it’s America’s northern shield.”
— Defense Analyst, Breaking Defense
Summary
The successful LRDR test at Clear Space Force Station marks a turning point in U.S. missile defense strategy. By demonstrating the ability to detect and discriminate missile threats over vast distances, it reinforces Alaska’s role in strategic defense, advances integration into the Golden Dome initiative, and prepares the U.S. for future threats in both terrestrial and space domains.
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