Donald Trump announces $175 billion 'Golden Dome' missile shield for US
Trump said the Golden Dome should be ready by the end of his term and noted the total cost of the missile defence system would be around $175 billion.
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced a new missile defence initiative, the ‘Golden Dome’, aimed at shielding the country from foreign threats. He revealed that a bill currently in Congress proposes a $25 billion allocation for the project.
Speaking from the White House, Trump added that "the Golden Dome should be operational by the end of my term." He also mentioned that the overall cost of the defence system would be approximately $175 billion.
He said that "everything" in the Golden Dome missile defence shield he is planning will be made in the United States.
Trump further stated that Canada has shown interest in joining the Golden Dome project, and the US would support its northern neighbour in this effort.
"In the campaign I promised the American people I would build a cutting-edge missile defense shield," Trump said. “Today I am pleased to announce we have officially selected architecture for this state-of-the-art system.”
Trump also revealed that General Michael Guetlein, the current Vice Chief of Space Operations, will lead the implementation and oversight of the Golden Dome program.
Trump added that military leaders have expressed strong support for the initiative, saying they “love the idea” of the “Golden Dome” program.
Aims to create a network of satellites to detect
Initially ordered by Trump in January, the Golden Dome project aims to build a satellite-based network capable of detecting, tracking, and possibly intercepting incoming missiles. The system could involve the deployment of hundreds of satellites dedicated to missile surveillance and response.
The Golden Dome concept draws inspiration from Israel’s Iron Dome, which defends against rockets and missiles.
However, Trump’s Golden Dome is far more expansive, featuring a vast network of surveillance satellites and a dedicated fleet of strike satellites designed to intercept enemy missiles shortly after launch.
Tuesday’s announcement marks the beginning of the Pentagon’s initiative to test and eventually procure the missiles, systems, sensors, and satellites that will form the Golden Dome network.
