President Donald Trump announced new details of his proposed "Golden Dome" missile defense system, a multibillion-dollar initiative designed to protect the United States from foreign missile attacks that would be an upgraded version of Israel's Irone Dome interceptor against rockets.
At the Oval Office on Tuesday he said, "We'll have it done in three years,"outlining a vision for a space-based shield capable of intercepting missiles launched from anywhere in the world.
The Golden Dome, inspired by Israel's Iron Dome, aims to defend the US – a nation roughly 450 times larger than Israel – against advanced ballistic and hypersonic missiles. Unlike Israel's system, which focuses on short-range threats to populated areas, Trump's plan envisions a far more expansive network. "Once fully constructed, the Golden Dome will be capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world," Trump said, emphasizing the project's global reach.
High-profile defense contractors, including Elon Musk's SpaceX, are competing for contracts to build the shield, pitching directly to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The project, estimated by Trump to cost $175 billion, will be led by Gen. Michael A. Guetlein, vice chief of space operations at the United States Space Force. Trump noted that $25 billion will come from his proposed spending cut and tax bill, which he is urging House Republicans to pass.
However, experts have raised concerns about the project's feasibility, cost, and timeline. Retired Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery told CNN that a ballistic missile defense system might be possible in seven to 10 years but would likely be limited to protecting critical federal buildings and major cities. Other experts suggested that the $175 billion estimate is conservative, with some calling the total cost incalculable due to the project's unprecedented scale.
"The Golden Dome will be capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world, and even if they're launched from space, and we will have the best system ever built," Trump said.
The Pentagon has presented the White House with small, medium, and large options for the Golden Dome's development, though Trump did not specify a final choice. "They had selected an architecture for this state-of-the-art system," he said, indicating progress in the planning process.
International interest in the project is also emerging. Trump claimed that "Canada has called us" to participate and seek protection under the Golden Dome. A statement from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's office to Reuters confirmed discussions with US counterparts about strengthening NORAD and related initiatives, including the Golden Dome, as part of broader security and economic negotiations.
The announcement has drawn international criticism, particularly from China. Mao Ning, spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, condemned the project, warning that it "carries a strong offensive nature" and could escalate "space militarization" and a global arms race.
The Golden Dome's development will require collaboration across government agencies and private contractors, a complex undertaking given the technological and financial challenges. The Defense Intelligence Agency recently highlighted threats from adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, which could target the US with ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, bombers, and hypersonic weapons, underscoring the strategic impetus for the project.
