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, often referred to as America’s version of the Iron Dome. In this critical role, Brigadier General Khan will oversee strategy, policies, and partnerships with industry, universities, national labs, and government agencies to develop and deploy next-generation missile defense systems.
Brigadier General Khan’s appointment is a landmark for diversity in US defense, demonstrating that a Bangladeshi-born Muslim officer is now leading one of America’s most crucial missile defense projects, safeguarding the homeland and its allies.
Brigadier General Khan’s Career and Achievements
A 1997 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Brigadier General 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 to the Middle East twice, including for Operation Silent Sentry in 2007, and has served in senior positions at the Pentagon, U.S. Space Force, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
His service has earned him top US military awards, including the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. The US Air Force website highlights that “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.”
