INTERNATIONAL: Golden Dome: America’s Next Frontier in Missile Defense
A New Era in Homeland Security
In a bold stride toward impenetrable national defense, the United States has unveiled plans to construct an advanced missile shield named the ‘Golden Dome’, inspired by Israel’s renowned Iron Dome system. The initiative, announced by President Donald Trump at the White House, seeks to ensure that no missile—whether terrestrial or space-based—can penetrate U.S. airspace or approach its nuclear arsenal.
High Stakes Investment in National Defense
According to President Trump, the Golden Dome project will be a revolutionary deterrent against evolving threats. While the publicly stated cost stands at \$175 billion (approximately ₹15 lakh crore), defense analysts and internal projections estimate total expenditure could reach \$542 billion over its full development cycle.
This initiative marks a pivotal expansion in U.S. defense strategy, especially with plans to deploy space-based weaponry as part of the system. The U.S. Space Force, under the leadership of General Michael Guttlin, has been tasked with overseeing the project, with Trump asserting its completion before the end of his term.
Strategic Capabilities and Threat Response
The Golden Dome is being designed to neutralize a wide array of modern threats, including:
- Cruise missiles
- Ballistic missiles
- Hypersonic missiles
- Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
- Nuclear-tipped projectiles
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that this integrated system will redefine deterrence by giving the U.S. full-spectrum interception capabilities—whether the threat originates from land, sea, air, or space.
International Reactions: Caution and Condemnation
While the U.S. views the Golden Dome as a protective shield, China and Russia have vehemently opposed its development. Both nations argue the system threatens global stability and could militarize outer space, intensifying geopolitical tensions.
President Trump acknowledged he had not yet briefed Russian President Vladimir Putin, but assured the press that diplomatic discussions would occur “at the right time.”
Global Collaboration and Strategic Alliances
Notably, Canada has expressed interest in contributing to the Golden Dome project, signaling potential for allied cooperation. This could lay the groundwork for broader NATO-aligned defense collaboration, particularly against shared adversaries such as Iran and North Korea.