U.S. President Donald Trump has revealed a major new defense plan called the “Golden Dome”, aimed at protecting the United States from missile attacks. He announced the project on Tuesday, with an expected total cost of $175 billion, and said the system could be ready in about three years.
Trump said, “During my campaign, I promised to build a modern missile defense shield. Today, I’m proud to say we’ve chosen the design for this advanced system.”
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The Golden Dome is planned to defend the country from missiles, even if they are launched from far away or from space. The U.S. Space Force General Michael Guetlein will lead this project. Trump also mentioned that Canada has shown interest in joining the effort.
Initially, $25 billion will be spent to start the project. However, a report from the Congressional Budget Office says a space-based system like this could cost $161 billion to $542 billion over the next 20 years.
Trump explained that the Golden Dome will use new technologies on land, at sea, and in space. This includes special space-based sensors and interceptors.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the system will protect the U.S. from many types of threats, such as cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles, drones, and both conventional and nuclear weapons.
The name “Golden Dome” is inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome, which has successfully stopped thousands of short-range rockets since 2011. However, the U.S. faces bigger and more powerful threats, such as long-range missiles.
A U.S. defense report from 2022 highlighted growing threats from Russia and China. China is catching up with the U.S. in missile technology, and Russia is upgrading its long-range missiles and building advanced strike weapons. The report also mentioned threats from North Korea, Iran, and terrorist groups.
Russia and China have strongly opposed the Golden Dome plan. They say it could lead to weapons being placed in space and might turn space into a battlefield. After a recent meeting, the Kremlin called the plan “deeply destabilizing.”
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In recent years, the U.S. has gained valuable experience defending against missile threats. U.S. systems have helped in Ukraine, protected Israel from Iranian attacks, and shot down missiles and drones launched at ships by Yemen’s Huthi rebels.
