Washington, D.C. (7 September 2025):
In a historic appointment, Brigadier General Sharif M. Khan, a Bangladeshi-origin Muslim officer serving in the U.S. Air Force, has been named Director of Staff for the Pentagon’s “Golden Dome” program, often referred to as the American version of the Iron Dome.

According to U.S. defense officials, the initiative focuses on the development and deployment of advanced missile defense systems, designed to enhance national security and provide strategic protection against aerial threats.

Sharif Khan’s appointment is seen as groundbreaking, as he is the first Muslim and Bangladeshi-origin officer to hold such a critical role within one of America’s premier defense projects. His responsibilities will include overseeing the program’s strategy, policies, and inter-agency coordination through partnerships with industry leaders, universities, national laboratories, and federal agencies.

Brig. Gen. Khan graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1997 and brings with him extensive expertise in space systems, satellite operations, and national security missions. His career includes multiple assignments in the Middle East, where he played a vital role in operational planning and execution.

For his distinguished service, Khan has received several top military honors, reflecting both his professional excellence and his contributions to U.S. national defense.

The “Golden Dome” project is being closely watched globally, as it represents America’s effort to create a next-generation missile defense shield modeled after Israel’s Iron Dome but tailored for U.S. strategic needs. Analysts believe that the program could reshape America’s defense posture against evolving missile and drone threats.