In a historic first, Brigadier General Shariful M Khan, a Bangladeshi-born Muslim officer, has been appointed Director of Staff for the Golden Dome initiative at the Pentagon. This is a top-secret, high-tech missile defense program that is often called America’s version of the Iron Dome.
In this critical role, Brig Gen Khan will be responsible for overseeing strategy, policies, and partnerships with various entities, including industry, universities, national labs, and government agencies. His objective is to develop and deploy next-generation missile defense systems.
Brig Gen Khan’s appointment is a significant milestone for diversity within the US defense community, as it shows a Bangladeshi-born Muslim officer is now leading one of America’s most crucial missile defense projects—one that is designed to protect the homeland and its allies.
A 1997 graduate of the US Air Force Academy, Brig Gen Khan has extensive experience in space systems, satellite operations, and national reconnaissance missions. He has commanded elite units, including the 379th Space Range Squadron and the 310th Space Wing at Colorado’s Schriever Space Force Base, where he led nearly 1,500 personnel.
Khan has been deployed twice to the Middle East, participating in Operation Silent Sentry in 2007. He has also held senior positions at the Pentagon, the US Space Force, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense. For his service, he has earned top US military awards, including the Legion of Merit, Defence Meritorious Service Medal, and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.
The US Air Force website highlights: “For 75 years, American Airmen have excelled as they execute the Air Force mission to fly, fight, and win—delivering airpower anytime, anywhere in defense of our nation. Airmen are called to Innovate, Accelerate, and Thrive.”
