US President Donald Trump announced the ‘Golden Dome’ defence system for the US which is likely to be operationalised in 3 years time
US President Donald Trump Tuesday announced plans for a $175 billion missile defence system — The ‘Golden Dome’ — which will be the first United States weapon in space.
The ‘Golden Dome’ will be aimed at protecting the country against attacks, with Trump saying that it should be operational in about three years.
“In the campaign, I promised the American people I would build a cutting-edge missile defence shield. Today, I am pleased to announce we have officially selected the architecture for this state-of-the-art system,” Trump said.
“Once fully constructed, the Golden Dome will be capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world, and even if they are launched from space,” he added.
What is the ‘Golden Dome’ project?
The ‘Golden Dome’ is a proposed U.S. missile defence initiative announced by President Donald Trump in January 2025. Inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome, the plan aims to create a comprehensive, multi-layered shield to protect the United States from various missile threats, including ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles.
Key Features of the ‘Golden Dome’
Multi-Layered Defence: The system is envisioned as a “system of systems,” integrating ground-based interceptors, space-based sensors, and advanced command and control networks to detect and neutralize incoming threats at different stages of their trajectory.
Advanced Technologies: Plans include the development of space-based interceptors, laser weapons, and satellite networks to enhance detection and interception capabilities.
Collaborative Effort: The initiative calls for collaboration across various defence and intelligence agencies, as well as partnerships with private sector companies like Lockheed Martin, SpaceX, and Palantir Technologies.
Budget and Timeline
Estimated Cost: While President Trump has cited a $175 billion estimate, independent analyses suggest the project could cost over $500 billion and take up to two decades to complete.
Initial Funding: Congressional Republicans have proposed an initial $25 billion in funding to kickstart the project.
Operational Goals: The administration aims to have parts of the system operational by 2026, with full deployment targeted by 2029.
Leadership and Oversight
Project Lead: General Michael Guetlein of the US Space Force has been appointed to oversee the development of the ‘Golden Dome’. He has compared the scale and complexity of the project to the Manhattan Project, emphasizing the need for a whole-of-government effort.
Controversies and Criticisms
Feasibility Concerns: Experts have raised questions about the technical challenges, potential cost overruns, and the ambitious timeline of the project.
Strategic Implications: Critics warn that the deployment of such a defence system could provoke an arms race, as adversaries might develop more advanced offensive capabilities to overcome the shield.
Private Sector Involvement: The potential involvement of private companies, particularly Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has sparked debates over conflicts of interest and the implications of a subscription-based model for national defence.
Conclusion
The ‘Golden Dome’ represents a significant and ambitious effort to bolster US missile defence capabilities. While it promises enhanced protection against evolving threats, the project faces substantial technical, financial, and strategic challenges that will need to be addressed in the coming years.
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