President Donald Trump has announced the selection of a design for the new “Golden Dome” missile defense system, which he says will be operational before the end of his current term. The system is aimed at countering advanced aerial threats, including ballistic, cruise, hypersonic, and space-launched missiles, using integrated land, sea, and space technologies.
With an initial $25 billion allocated in a proposed budget bill, the system is expected to cost significantly more over the coming decades. Trump appointed Space Force General Michael Guetlein to lead the project, which draws inspiration from Israel’s Iron Dome but is designed on a much larger scale to cover a broader threat spectrum. The Golden Dome will feature space-based sensors and interceptors capable of neutralizing missiles mid-flight or even pre-launch.
Canada has expressed interest in joining the project, citing its strategic importance and the need for early threat detection, especially in the Arctic. Trump claims the system will achieve near-perfect interception rates and serve as a centralized shield under a unified command structure.
While the White House estimates long-term costs at $175 billion, the Congressional Budget Office warns expenses could reach $542 billion over 20 years for the space-based elements alone. Defense officials argue the initiative is necessary as U.S. rivals rapidly develop sophisticated missile capabilities that current systems cannot fully address.
