Trump Launches Space-Based Golden Dome to Shield America from Missiles
United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday unveiled an advanced missile defense initiative called the “Golden Dome” at the White House. He stated that the system is aimed at protecting the United States from missile attacks and expressed confidence in operationalizing the initiative within approximately three years.
“I made a promise to the American people during my election campaign to build an advanced missile defense shield. Today, I am pleased to officially announce the launch of this highly advanced system,” said Donald Trump.
Donald Trump revealed that an initial allocation of $25 billion has been sanctioned for the prestigious project. However, he estimated that the total cost could reach up to $175 billion. “Once the Golden Dome is fully constructed, it will be capable of intercepting missiles launched from any part of the world, even those fired from outer space. This is critical for the survival and success of our nation,” he stated. Trump further mentioned that the effort will be led by General Michael Getline of the U.S. Space Force and added that Canada has shown interest in participating in the initiative.
While Trump pegged the total project cost at $175 billion, estimates from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) suggest that a space-based interceptor system capable of countering a limited number of intercontinental ballistic missiles could cost between $161 billion and $542 billion over a 20-year period. Trump emphasized that the Golden Dome system will incorporate next-generation technologies, including space-based sensors and interceptors deployed across land, sea, and space.
Speaking alongside Trump, Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth said, “This system is designed to protect the homeland from cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles, drones—whether conventional or nuclear.”
The name “Golden Dome” was inspired by Israel’s “Iron Dome” air defense system, which has intercepted thousands of short-range rockets since its deployment in 2011. However, the missile threats faced by the United States are significantly different from those countered by the Iron Dome. Nations such as Russia and China have described the Golden Dome initiative as “highly destabilizing,” expressing concerns that it could turn outer space into a “war zone.”
To counter advanced threats such as hypersonic and ballistic missiles, the United States is developing this large-scale defense system. The Golden Dome is designed to function using space-based technology. Referencing Israel’s Iron Dome, Donald Trump emphasized the necessity of a similarly robust system to safeguard American security.
The Golden Dome system is intended to protect the United States from ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles. It primarily uses space-deployed sensors and interceptors to detect and neutralize threats in advance. Supplementary ground-based and naval defense mechanisms will also support the system. Modern communication networks will be utilized to enable rapid information exchange. General Michael Getline, Vice Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force, stated that recent military experiences in the Middle East have informed the planning of this initiative.
Although inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome, the Golden Dome differs significantly in scope and technology. The Iron Dome primarily intercepts short-range rockets and artillery shells targeting Israel, relying on ground-based radars and interceptors. In contrast, the Golden Dome is being developed to defend the entire United States from high-end missile attacks and will be equipped with space-based sensors and interception capabilities.