06.24.25

Hoeven Outlines Efforts to Advance Comprehensive Missile, Drone Detection & Defense Network

Senator Joins Sullivan, Cramer in Introducing GOLDEN DOME Act, Highlights Critical Role of Grand Forks, Cavalier in Integrated Defense System

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, today outlined efforts to ensure the U.S. is secure against threats both present and future, including advanced missile technologies and emerging threats from unmanned aircraft. To this end, Hoeven is joining with Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) in introducing the GOLDEN DOME Act, legislation that supports the establishment of a network of sensors and intercept capabilities to protect against the range of threats facing the U.S. Hoeven joined his colleagues at a press conference today announcing the legislation and highlighted key missions and initiatives in North Dakota that would fit into the Golden Dome architecture:

  • The Space Development Agency’s (SDA) low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite mission in Grand Forks.
    • In addition to his efforts to stand up the SDA mission, which will serve as the backbone of all U.S. military communications, Hoeven has been working to ensure the LEO satellites can provide missile tracking and advanced fire control.
  • The Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System (PARCS) radar at Cavalier Space Force Station, which provides early warning of incoming missiles.
    • Hoeven is working as a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee to fund the modernization of PARCS.
  • The counter-drone research and development taking place in the Grand Forks region.
    • Hoeven is working to leverage Project ULTRA to develop counter-drone technologies, while bringing in new capabilities like securing access to the Federal Aviation Administration’s unfiltered radar data feed to support and accelerate these efforts.

At the same time, Hoeven stressed the importance of maintaining an effective nuclear deterrent and keeping nuclear modernization on track, including for the dual-nuclear mission in Minot.

“This is about integrating all of the systems we are developing throughout the various military branches to ensure we have a comprehensive defense network that works across all domains. Whether it’s ground-based radar in Cavalier, satellite detection out of Grand Forks, or the new missile and drone interception technologies we are advancing, we need all of these pieces to work seamlessly together,” said Hoeven. “At the same time, the best protection is a strong deterrent, so our adversaries don’t even consider striking the U.S. That’s why we need to keep our nuclear modernization programs moving forward, so we can match any of the capabilities being developed by hostile nations like Russia and China. This will be critical as we work to get the Golden Dome established and will remain essential even when these new defenses are in place.”

Specifically, the GOLDEN DOME Act:

  • Directs the Department of Defense (DoD) to establish a layered defense system that fully integrates all of the nation’s missile defense technologies.
  • Enhances existing U.S. missile defense by authorizing procurement of additional sensors and interceptors.
  • Enables SDA to develop, procure and deploy satellite-based sensors in support of Golden Dome.
  • Requires the modernization of numerous early warning radar detection systems across the U.S., including PARCS at Cavalier Space Force Station.
  • Supports development of advanced technologies to track and defeat enemy missile threats.

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