A peek at Day 1 of the 2026 Space and Missile Defense Symposium
The annual Space and Missile Defense Symposium kicked off today, with military officials and industry executives gathering in Huntsville, Ala., to talk about the latest in space and missile technology.
US and international defense firms are displaying their wares, hoping to earn a piece of US funding for space and missile projects like the sprawling Golden Dome initiative.
As the Breaking Defense team roams the expo floor to report the latest news, here are several sights from Day 1. And be sure to check out all our coverage of the event here.
Attendees listen during a keynote address at the 2026 Space and Missile Defense Symposium in Huntsville, Alabama, Aug. 11, 2026. (Breaking Defense)
Golden Dome czar Gen. Mike Guetlein, left, speaks with retired Army Lt. Gen. Dan Karbler at the 2026 Space and Missile Defense Symposium in Huntsville, Ala., on August 11, 2026. (Breaking Defense)
Vera, made by Huntsville’s Browncoats robotics team, is a mechanical challenge robot that shoots plastic balls, as seen on Aug. 11, 2026 at the Space and Missile Defense Symposium in Huntsville, Ala. (Breaking Defense)
L3Harris Red Wolf munition on display at the Space and Missile Defense Symposium in Huntsville, Ala., Aug. 11, 2026. (Breaking Defense)
Raytheon’s LTAMDS: Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (foreground) and Raytheon’s SM-3 Interceptor (background) as seen at the Space and Missile Defense Symposium in Huntsville, Ala., Aug. 11, 2026. (Breaking Defense)
Northrop Grumman’s Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI), intended as a layered defense against regional hypersonic missile threats, is seen on display at the Space and Missile Defense Symposium on Aug. 11, 2026. (Breaking Defense)
Lockheed Martin’s PAC-3 missile (above) and THAAD missile (below) as seen at the Space and Missile Defense Symposium Aug. 11, 2026, in Huntsville, Ala. (Breaking Defense)
The Space and Missile Defense Symposium kicked off Aug. 11, 2026, in Huntsville, Ala. (Breaking Defense)The Space and Missile Defense Symposium commenced in Huntsville, Alabama, on August 11, 2026, featuring numerous U.S. and international defense firms showcasing advanced weapon systems. Key military officials, including Gen. Mike Guetlein, participated in discussions about the latest developments in space and missile technology.
- The Space and Missile Defense Symposium began on August 11, 2026, in Huntsville, Alabama.
- Numerous U.S. and international defense firms are showcasing their technologies.
- Key military figures, including Gen. Mike Guetlein, are present at the event.
- Various advanced weapon systems, including the Golden Dome initiative and Raytheon's SM-3 Interceptor, are on display.