Trump unveils plans for 'Golden Dome' missile defence system for US

U.S. President Donald Trump revealed new details on Tuesday about his proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system, which aims to shield the nation from missile attacks stating that the system is expected to be operational within three years.

Trump announced an initial allocation of $25 billion for the project, which he said could ultimately cost around $175 billion.

“During my campaign, I pledged to develop a cutting-edge missile defense system for the American people,” Trump said from the White House. “Today, I’m proud to announce we’ve finalized the design for this state-of-the-art system.”

According to Trump, the Golden Dome will be capable of intercepting missiles launched from anywhere in the world — even from space. He emphasized the system’s importance, calling it vital to the nation’s security and survival.

Trump named U.S. Space Force General Michael Guetlein as the leader of the initiative and noted that Canada has shown interest in joining the project for shared protection.

While Trump placed the total projected cost at $175 billion, a Congressional Budget Office estimate suggests that a space-based missile defense system designed to counter a limited number of intercontinental ballistic missiles could cost between $161 billion and $542 billion over two decades.

Unlike Israel’s Iron Dome — which focuses on short-range threats — the Golden Dome is intended to counter a wider range of dangers. Trump said the system will incorporate advanced technologies deployed across land, sea, and space, including space-based sensors and interceptors.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who joined Trump at the announcement, said the system aims to defend against a variety of threats: cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, drones, and both conventional and nuclear arms.

International Reactions and Strategic Concerns

The Golden Dome takes its name from Israel’s Iron Dome, which has successfully intercepted thousands of rockets since 2011. However, U.S. threats differ, focusing more on long-range and high-tech missiles from global adversaries.

The 2022 Missile Defense Review highlighted rising threats from Russia and China, with China rapidly advancing in ballistic and hypersonic missile capabilities and Russia modernizing its long-range and precision-strike systems. The review also emphasized the growing role of drones and the missile threats posed by nations like North Korea and Iran, as well as non-state actors.

Both Russia and China have condemned the Golden Dome project. Earlier this month, they called the concept “deeply destabilizing,” warning it could escalate the militarization of space. The Kremlin, following bilateral talks, issued a statement saying the plan significantly expands the U.S. capability to wage war in space.

Meanwhile, U.S. forces have gained real-world experience in missile defense through recent conflicts. American systems have helped counter Russian missile threats in Ukraine, while U.S. military assets have assisted in defending Israel from Iranian strikes and intercepted missiles and drones targeting ships in the Red Sea launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.